A root canal is a dental treatment used to save a tooth that has become badly infected or damaged inside.
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If this pulp becomes infected—often due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma—it can cause pain, swelling, or sensitivity.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. In most cases, a crown is placed afterwards to restore strength and function.
You might need a root canal if you have:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- A deep cavity or cracked tooth
The goal is to relieve pain and save the natural tooth rather than extracting it.