Root canal treatment, often referred to simply as a root canal, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection at the centre of a tooth, known as the pulp. This procedure is crucial for saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. During the treatment, a dentist or endodontist (a specialist in root canals) removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth.

The root canal is the space inside your tooth roots that holds the dental pulp—a soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental work damages the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. If left untreated, the infection may spread and cause painful abscesses or even tooth loss.

Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the area, and then seals the tooth to prevent further infection. With the pulp removed, your tooth can still function normally, provided it is restored properly. This means that a core filling has to be done to seal the top part of the tooth, and in the case of back teeth, a crown to cover the tooth.