Root Canal Treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection at the centre of a tooth, in the natural cavity known as the root canal system. This treatment procedure is commonly carried out when the pulp (soft tissue at the centre of the tooth) is infected or inflamed. The infection can have a variety of causes, such as severe decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth, even if the outside structures of the tooth are intact.

The root canal procedure usually involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and then filling it to seal the space. Anesthetics are administered to ensure that the procedure is relatively painless. The dentist isolates the tooth with a dam to maintain a sterile environment. Tiny instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals, and to shape the space for filling. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and sealed with adhesive cement. Afterwards, a crown is usually placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.