Root canal therapy is a dental procedure performed to save and repair a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected dental pulp – the inner soft tissue of the tooth – and cleaning and disinfecting the root canals. Once cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal the space and prevent further infection.

Root canal therapy is typically conducted when a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. This procedure alleviates severe toothache and prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

Modern techniques and anesthetics have made root canal therapy relatively comfortable and efficient. After the procedure, a dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and function. Root canal therapy enables the preservation of the natural tooth, maintaining oral health and preventing the need for extraction.