A tooth in need of root canal treatment initially goes through a phase of irreversible inflammation of the dental pulp, most often creating an acute painful episode. This inflammation phase is followed by necrosis of the tooth’s nerve, which can make the pain disappear. But the disappearance of pain in no way means that the tooth has been cured… Root canal treatment is absolutely essential to disinfect and seal the root canal to prevent and limit the risk of infection and dental abscesses.