A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. A root canal procedure means the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include:
Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Severe toothache pain upon chewing/pressure
Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures