Root canals are a common treatment in which the inside of your tooth (pulp) has been exposed and become inflamed/infected and must be removed and disinfected.  Root Canal treatments were once painful, but with dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain. In fact, it’s probably more painful than living without treatment. After root canal treatment is done your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to protect it against fracture.