Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Often, a root canal is followed by a core buildup and a crown will be placed to ensure the tooth can endure the pressure of normal chewing.
![Depiction of a root canal.](/static/5a964ea5937edfd59798d357b0e4e27d/a89ca/root-canal.jpg)