Root canal therapy is used to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal, prevent reinfection and to save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, filled and sealed.

By removing the infected area of the tooth, dentists help save the surrounding teeth from also becoming infected. Root canals are a long-term option to losing a tooth and may require multiple office visits.