A root canal removes the nerve of the tooth, cleans and shapes the canal space that houses the nerve and fills the root with a material called gutta percha. After a root canal, the tooth will need a restoration to fill the access for the root canal in the form of a filling or a crown. Posterior teeth most often require a crown after a root canal to prevent fracture of the tooth. Certain root canals may require treatment by an endodontist, or a root canal specialist, depending on the complexity of the case. This determination is made on a case by case basis and will be discussed with you by Dr. Knutson.