A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat and save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp (the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them to prevent further infection. A tooth that has undergone a root canal can continue to function normally and can be restored with a crown or filling.

The goal of a root canal is to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage.

Early intervention can prevent the need for more extensive treatments and help preserve the affected tooth.