Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal may be recommended when the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.
Common symptoms can include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or discomfort when biting. In some cases, however, an infected tooth may not cause noticeable symptoms. Root canal therapy removes the damaged tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to help prevent further infection.