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. This 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.

Current as of: March 25, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Arden Christen DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

Healthwise
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase
Help
Healthwise Index

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.

© 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.