The dentist performs the endodontic treatment of a tooth when it can no longer be kept alive or because it is already necrotic, or may reach that point.

Some situations where root canal treatment is required :

• Deep cavity that has reached the pulp, at the nerve;
• A broken tooth filling that cannot be restored;
• Pulp irritated by trauma;
• Very extensive restoration;
• A tooth that requires a crown, but also requires the support of a pivot.

When tooth decay reaches the pulp where the nerve is located, the dentist must undertake to treat the tooth with a root canal to prevent bacterial infection. Once the bacteria have entered the pulp, the tooth must be treated.

A tooth that has had a root canal becomes fragile and more likely to fracture. It is advisable to restore such a tooth with a crown or a pivot to restore the strength.