Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) saves a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged inside. The dentist carefully removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it — relieving pain and preserving your natural tooth.
Today's root canals are performed with modern anesthetics, rotary instruments, and digital imaging, making the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling for most patients.
After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it and restore full function. Saving a natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction.