A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or which becomes infected.

Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. The discomfort experienced prior to dental care is truly the painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself.