Root canal treatment is made necessary when an untreated cavity reaches all the way to the nerve of the tooth. Treatment may also be needed when deep restorations or trauma to a tooth cause nerve damage. Once a tooth becomes infected, an abscess can develop that can eat away at the bone around the tooth.

If a tooth is infected, it will require treatment as it cannot heal on it’s own. Symptoms that indicate the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. However, sometimes no symptoms are apparent and you may be unaware of any problem until a checkup.