Root canal treatment is needed when a tooth's nerve and associated blood vessels are irreversibly damaged. They may be damaged by trauma, which may fracture a tooth, or by having deep decay that has infected the nerve. The end result is the same, an infection that leads to an abscess at the base of the tooth. Usually there is a throbbing pain in the tooth especially noticeable when laying horizontal, i.e. in bed at night. There also may be a swelling in your jaw and it may be painful to chew on. Your tooth can usually be saved at this time.

If the abscess remains too long the tooth dies and the bone around the tooth is destroyed. The tooth must be removed if this happens.

A dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) can save a tooth by removing the diseased nerve tissue, cleansing and then filling the nerve chamber with a rubber like material. This procedure can be done in one sometimes two visits depending on the condition of the nerve. If an abscess is active antibiotic therapy may be necessary for 5 -7 days before treatment is initiated.