Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the pulp/root of a tooth caused by a cavity that has gone untreated. Infected pulp tissue will not heal on its own, so a root canal is performed down to the tip of the root. 

 

An infected pulp will be recognizable by systems such as: extreme sensitivity to temperature, sugary foods, swelling, pain while eating. It is also important to note that an infected pulp may sometimes exhibit no symptoms until revealed by a check up at the dental office. 

 

During root canal treatment, the pulp is removed from inside the tooth and its canals, which are then cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and sealed. Once completed, the root canal treated tooth may require a crown to increase the tooth’s longevity.