Root canal treatment, as Dr. Arti Gupta explains, is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage to the pulp (the innermost part) of a tooth. When a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected due to injury or deep decay, the pulp can become inflamed or infected, causing pain and discomfort. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. In many cases, the tooth is restored with a crown to provide strength and function. Dr. Gupta emphasizes that while a root canal may sound intimidating, it is a highly effective and relatively comfortable treatment that can save a tooth from extraction and relieve pain, allowing patients to keep their natural tooth for years to come.