Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth which is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.

A root canal will treat the diseased tissue (pulp) while preserving the rest of the tooth. A person will be given anesthetic before the procedure, so it is usually no more painful than a typical dental filling.

A root canal is performed when the endodontist removes the infected pulp and nerve in the root of the tooth, cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterward, your dentist will place a crown on the tooth to protect and restore it to its original function.