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: | Ralph Poore |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated: March 23, 2007 | |
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