Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward until they reach the tip of the root.

All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

A diseased inner tooth brings many problems, including pain and sensitivity, as the first indications. However, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus and lead to an abscess.

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high success rate. It involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection, and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. Root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, extraction was the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth.