Root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or inflamed. During treatment, the damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a biocompatible filling to prevent future infection. Modern root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Saving your natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing, appearance, and overall oral health. In many cases, a crown is recommended afterward to protect and strengthen the tooth. With proper care, a tooth that has received root canal treatment has excellent prognosis and can last for many years.