A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged teeth. It involves removing the infected pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The procedure is typically performed by a dentist or an endodontist, a specialist in treating issues related to dental pulp.

During a root canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist will first numb the area around the tooth to minimize discomfort. They will then create an opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed using special instruments, and the empty space is cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria.

After cleaning the inside of the tooth, the dentist or endodontist will fill the empty space with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, to seal off the root canals and prevent further infection. In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to provide additional protection and restore its appearance and function.

Root canals are typically recommended when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures have been done on the tooth, large cracks causing tooth sensitivity are present, or the tooth has undergone trauma. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss. A root canal can help save the natural tooth and alleviate pain and discomfort caused by the infection.