





A root canal is a dental treatment used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. You may need one if the pulp inside your tooth becomes damaged due to deep decay, a crack, trauma, or infection. The goal is to save the natural tooth and prevent the infection from getting worse.
Common signs include severe tooth pain, pain when biting or chewing, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, and tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth. In some cases, swelling or darkening around the area may also occur. A dental exam and X-rays are the best way to confirm whether root canal treatment is needed.
A root canal infection usually happens when bacteria enter the inner part of the tooth through deep cavities, cracks, or other damage. Once the pulp becomes infected, it cannot heal on its own and needs to be treated to stop the infection and protect the tooth.
Modern root canal treatment is designed to be safe and comfortable. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. In many cases, the treatment actually relieves the pain caused by the infection.
During a root canal, the dentist creates a small opening in the tooth, removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canal, and then seals the tooth to protect it. In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended afterward to strengthen the treated tooth and restore its function.

