On occasion an infection can cause the nerve in a tooth to die; it may not be possible to treat with a composite or amalgam filling and a root canal treatment may be required. Your dentist will advise following consideration of your symptoms, clinical examination and x-rays. If a root canal is required your dentist may refer to an endodontist or dentist with specialist interest in endodontics.
The procedure entails removal of the infected nerve, cleaning of the root, shaping and preparation prior to filling in order to seal the canal.
A root filled tooth is more brittle and weaker than a natural tooth and to prevent it breaking it is usual to restore the tooth with a crown which would greatly improve its strength, reduce the risk of fracturing and improve the appearance.