What is it?

 Root canal treatment (RCT), also known as endodontics, can help save a damaged tooth.
When the blood or nerve supply of the tooth or the ‘pulp’ is infected due to decay, exposure of the pulp from a deep restoration or injury, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth and may eventually lead to an abscess.

This inflamed area in which pus collects can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth, causing symptoms ranging from a dull ache to severe tooth ache. If RCT is not carried out, the only alternative to alleviate the pain and remove the infection is to have the tooth removed.
What does it involve?

Q: Why is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal or endodontic treatment (endo-inside, dont-tooth) is necessary when the inside, or pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels - essentially they keep the tooth vital (alive). It is through the pulp that temperature and pain are perceived. The inflammation or infection can have many causes but mostly are the result of deep decay or trauma.

Q: What are typical symptoms of root canal infection? Depending on the cause, symptoms can be numerous and varied:

Sharp, acute and intense pain, which is difficult to pinpoint

\r\nSharp pain when biting down on your tooth or on food

\r\nLingering pain after eating hot or cold foods

\r\nDull ache and pressure

\r\nTenderness (accompanied by swelling) in the nearby gums