It is a process by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth (the area inside a tooth that is occupied by its pulp tissue). Primary focus is given on saving the tooth from extraction and maintaining the natural integrity of the dental arch.

Root canal treatment can help save your damaged tooth. When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, the pulp dies. If the damaged or diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and surrounding tissues become infected. Without treatment, your tooth could eventually have to be removed.

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or Endodontist (a root canal specialist).
The procedure involves freezing the tooth and isolating it. A small hole is drilled into the tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Each canal is cleaned to the tip of the root (normally teeth can have anywhere from 1 to 5 canals).
The canals are then sealed with an inert material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp. This is one of the safest and most effective methods of saving a damaged tooth.
After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and to bring the tooth back into function. The tooth is usually covered with a ceramic or metal crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.

No, with modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

Connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity.

(The space within a tooth which contains the pulp) of a tooth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.