At the center of a tooth is the root, which contains the nerve and blood supply to the tooth. Occasionally, the root starts to die and needs to be taken out in a procedure called a root canal. The root can die for a number of reasons. Most often, a large cavity allows a source of infection to the nerve chamber. Other times, the tooth receives acute or long term trauma that causes the root to die. Many times the tooth will hurt while the nerve is dying. After the nerve dies, the root may cause an abcess that can cause extreme pain. Through thorough testing Dr. Sherer can determine if you need a root canal. Because Dr. Sherer wants the best care for you, he may send you to an Endodontist (root canal specialist) to have the root canal done. Dr. Sherer’s office will coordinate the care for you.