A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During the treatment, the dentist removes the damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleans and disinfects the inside, and then fills and seals it to prevent further infection. Root canals are often necessary to relieve pain caused by inflammation or infection, and they help preserve the natural tooth rather than extracting it. This procedure is safe, effective, and can help restore normal chewing and biting function.