A root canal is a dental procedure where the bacterial infection within the tooth is removed and the surrounding tissue around the tooth's root is no longer inflamed. To complete the root canal treatment, the dentist will fill the previously infected tooth and seal off its interior. By sealing off the tooth, its less likely bacteria will re-form and inflame the surrounding tissue.

Two symptoms are usually present when a root canal is needed, A tooth is currently causing you pain and has a history of being painful and there is tenderness or swelling in your gums near the tooth. Although the most typical indicator that a root canal is needed, pain is not always present. In these cases, the decayed nerve can be discovered with an xray.