Root Canal Treatment

Definition: Root canal treatment is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the canals, then fills and seals them so the natural tooth can be kept.

Why it matters

Without treatment, an infected pulp can lead to an abscess and loss of the tooth. Modern root canal treatment is done with local anesthesia, and the tooth usually needs a crown or filling afterward to protect it.