The pulp of the tooth can be destroyed as a result of decay or injury. This will restrict the blood supply to the pulp resulting in an infection leading to an abscess and toothache (dental pain symptoms).If the tooth is not treated, then the infection will spread through the root canal and the tooth may need to be extracted. Root canal treatment (also known as root fillings or endodontics) is a time consuming surgery that requires a lot of skill. The procedure is usually carried out in two or more stages. The first stage involves removing the dead pulp from the core of the tooth and from the root canals. Any abscess can be removed at this stage. The second stage involves permanently filling the root canals. Root canal treatment is carried under local anaesthetic to make the procedure pain-free.