A root canal is a treatment used to treat teeth where the pulp (inside portion of the tooth) becomes severely inflamed or infected as a result of advanced decay, repeated dental procedures or trauma to the tooth. You may require a root canal if you experience excessive pain with hot or cold, or constant pain, or you may have a persistent or recurring pimple on your gums. Root canal treatment involves cleaning out the inner aspect of the tooth (nerve and pulp) and sealing the canal(s) so the bacteria cannot get back in.

Following root canal treatment, it is generally recommended to have a crown placed on the tooth to prevent the tooth from further breakage or fracture.