Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called a root canal) is a dental procedure done to remove the infected core (pulp) of a tooth. This helps relieve toothache, stop infection, and promote healing.

When the pulp is healthy, it feeds the tooth and helps fight infection. When the pulp becomes damaged because of a deep cavity or fracture, infection may develop. The infection can cause pain and lead to the development of an abscess.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry