Root canal therapy is the process of removing inflamed or dead tissue within the tooth. During this process the tooth is disinfected to reduce the presence of bacteria. The canal is then cleaned, dried, and filled to minimize the re-entry of bacteria.
Is the tooth dead?
Though your tooth will no longer be sensitive to heat or cold, it will still have feeling due to the bone and ligament that hold your tooth in the jaw.
Do you remove the roots?
The roots of your tooth are not removed. The inside of the roots are cleaned and the rest of the root is left to support the tooth.