Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed.
The pulp can be infected or inflamed due to either deep decay or an extensive restoration that involves the pulp, a cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma, excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp, and sometimes as a result of severe gum disease. Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums, or a bad taste in the mouth. Occasionally there may be no symptoms at all.
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