A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is severely infected or damaged in the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes infected due to deep decay or injury, it can cause severe pain. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills it with a special material to seal it. Afterward, the tooth is usually restored with a crown to protect and strengthen it. Root canals are often performed to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, and while they may sound intimidating, the procedure is typically no more painful than having a regular filling. Most people experience relief from the pain and discomfort once the treatment is complete.