Root canal treatment involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp, after it has been inflamed or infected due to severe decay or trauma. Once damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, and the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and sealed with a rubber-like material. A successful root canal treatment allows you to keep the tooth, rather than having it removed. If a severely decayed tooth is left untreated, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may result.