A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected.

During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Without root canal, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and painful abscesses may form.

Sometimes there are no symptoms  present indicating the need for a root canal.  However, signs to look for include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity / pain to heat or cold temperatures
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums.

Its only function is to provide the sensation of hot or cold.

The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the functioning of the tooth.

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