Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the space where the live tissue, blood vessels and nerve of each tooth is located.
If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. In these cases, the treatment is usually a root canal.
Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The pulp space and the root canals are then disinfected, shaped and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. A crown is usually recommended to protect a tooth that has had root canal therapy. A tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle and may become prone to breaking over time and a crown will help prevent this from happening.