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, which 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.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: March 20, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist | |