Root canal treatment, also known as RCT, is a dental procedure that involves treating the natural space within the root of a tooth, which is called the root canal. This space contains tissues or dental pulp. When a tooth is decayed and eventually infected, the pulp can become inflamed or infected, leading to pain and discomfort.

The main objective of root canal therapy is to save the decayed tooth and remove the infected pulp inside the canal. This is done by making a small hole in the tooth and using specialized tools to remove the damaged pulp. Once the pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned thoroughly and filled with a material called gutta-percha, which serves as a replacement for the pulp. The tooth is then sealed with a filling and sealant to restore and protect it.

One of the main reasons people undergo root canal treatment is to reduce pain caused by an infection of the tooth pulp. The objective of the procedure is to remove the cause of the pain by removing the infected pulp and completely cleaning the pulp chamber before sealing it to prevent further contamination.

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. It is usually done under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime.