A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed in the soft tissue inside the tooth (pulp). The pulp of the tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissue, and it can become infected or inflamed due to tooth decay, injury, or other reasons. When this happens, it can cause severe pain and can lead to the loss of the tooth if left untreated.

During a root canal treatment, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth and make a small hole in the top of the tooth. They will then remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the tooth using small instruments. The inside of the tooth will then be cleaned and disinfected, and a filling material will be used to fill the space. In most cases, a dental crown will be placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its normal function.

The procedure usually takes one or two appointments to complete, and it is typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort. After the treatment, the patient may experience some mild pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Root canal treatment is a common and effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, and it has a high success rate.