Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure designed to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, can become infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. If left untreated, this infection can spread, leading to severe pain, abscess formation, and even tooth loss. Root canal treatment cleans out the infected pulp, disinfects the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.