Remove inflamed or infected pulp while preserving the natural tooth.

The goal is to treat the source inside the tooth—not remove the tooth itself.

The pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth. Deep decay, cracks, repeated procedures, or an injury can cause it to become inflamed or infected. A dental examination and diagnostic imaging are needed because tooth pain can also come from the gums, bite, sinuses, muscles, or another tooth.

During root canal treatment, the affected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and the space is filled and sealed. The tooth can continue to function because mature teeth are supported by the tissues around their roots.

Signs that should be evaluated

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling, tenderness, drainage, or a recurring bump on the gum
• A deeply decayed, cracked, injured, or darkening tooth

From diagnosis to restoration

After the tooth is numbed and isolated with a dental dam, an opening is made so the canals can be cleaned, shaped, and sealed. A temporary or permanent filling closes the opening until the definitive restoration is completed. The number of appointments depends on the tooth and clinical findings.

Teeth weakened by decay, a fracture, or a large existing restoration—especially back teeth—often need a crown or another protective restoration. General dentists perform many root canals, while complex anatomy, difficult diagnosis, retreatment, or surgery may be referred to an endodontist.