A “root canal” is a restorative treatment that is performed to remove decay, bacteria, and infection from the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located. When the pulp chamber is infected or damaged due to decay or trauma, a root canal treatment is necessary to preserve the natural tooth. 

Root canal therapy involves entering the pulp chamber to remove the dead or diseased tissues, disinfecting the canals, and sealing the tooth. This prevents bacteria from causing harm in the future. A crown is usually placed on top of the tooth after the treatment to further restore and preserve the tooth structure.