A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat a damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth and filling the resulting space with a special material to restore the tooth's function and protect it from further damage.
The need for a root canal typically arises when the tooth's pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves removing the pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and filling them with a biocompatible material such as gutta-percha.
After the root canal, the tooth may be restored with a filling or crown to protect it from further damage. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a lifetime and provide normal function and appearance.