Root canal treatments are procedures designed to save teeth damaged by injury and/or severe tooth decay (cavities). The procedure may also be called root canal therapy or endodontic treatment. One or more root canals are found inside every tooth. Each canal contains pulp, often referred to as the nerve center of the tooth. When that pulp is damaged by deep cavitles or a fractured or cracked tooth, it can cause severe pain (toothache) and a root canal treatment may be needed.