Root canal treatment protects and saves an infected or injured tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged or dead inner part of the tooth. It cleans and disinfects the inside and then seals it. This stops the infection and keeps the tooth in your mouth instead of having it removed. Root canals are usually needed when a tooth has deep decay, cracks, or has been injured, causing pain, sensitivity, swelling, or an abscess. Thanks to modern dentistry, the treat