What is Root Canal Treatment? Also known as Endodontic therapy, root canal treatment is a process which is performed to cure infections in tooth and its root, securing it not to get infected again. It is carried out in the pulp of the tooth. Talking about the term root canal, it is a part of a tooth, a hollow section that contains the nerve tissues, blood vessels and other cells which is on a combined form, known as the Pulp. The structure of a tooth can be divided into two main parts-the crown and the root. The section which is above the gum-line is known as the crown whereas the inner section below the gum-line is known as the root that attaches the tooth with the jawbone. Now, the pulp filled inside the root canal nourishes the tooth, providing moisture. The process is known as root canal or endodontic therapy because it is performed in the root canal or you can say inside the tooth below the gum line. The term root canal is commonly used as compared to the scientific term. If the pulp of a tooth gets injured by any means or gets infected, it cannot repair the damage by itself and hence the tissues die. In some other cases, if it gets deep, the tooth is damaged or gums get loosely attached to the tooth, it allows bacteria to enter into the pulp and hence, the root canal gets infected. If bacteria succeed to penetrate through the root openings, it can also cause infection to the jawbone, resulting in the swelling of ligaments around the tooth, sensitivity and pain.