Root canals is an effective and safe treatment for teeth whose pulp has become inflamed or infected. It can also be required in other situations to help save and restore a tooth. It is the process of removing infected or injured tissue from inside the crown or roots of a tooth. Once cleaned the canal is disinfected, shaped, filled and sealed with a natural rubber-like material called gutta percha. The opening of a tooth is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling to prevent future infection.