Root canal therapy is often used to eliminate bacteria from an overly infected root canal, preventing reinfection, to save the natural tooth. When a patient undergoes a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed from the tooth and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, filled and sealed closed.

By removing the infected area of the tooth, dentists help save the surrounding teeth from also becoming jeopardized. Root canals are a preventative, long-term option to losing a tooth and may possibly require multiple office visits.