ROOT CANAL

A root canal is a treatment wherein the dental pulp of a tooth is cleaned out.  The space inside of the tooth is disinfected and then filled and sealed, thereby saving a badly damaged or infected tooth.  Common reasons why dental pulp is in need of repair are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment on the tooth or trauma.  The process is called a "root canal" because it involves the cleaning of the canals inside the tooth's root.