Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing dead and infected nerve tissue from inside the roots of a tooth. A root canal allows you to retain your natural tooth while eliminating infection. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess will form in the jaw; and a pus pocket of bacterial infection around the tooth root may spread and damage adjacent teeth as well as cause facial swelling and debilitating pain. A dead or irreversibly damaged nerve needing a root canal may be the result of trauma to the tooth, extensive dental decay that invaded into the nerve, or repeated heavy irritation from ongoing replacement of large fillings that are close to the nerve, or possibly a fracture or crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve.

Common signs your tooth may need a root canal include:

Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods. …show more content…
This, however, can cause the surrounding teeth to move resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may seem like a less expensive option, the empty tooth space will require an implant or a bridge which ultimately can be more costly than root canal