If you have a tooth that has been traumatized or suffers from bad decay, you may need a root canal. Root canal treatment is provided to find the cause and then treat the problem found at an injured tooth's soft core. The tooth's soft core is called the "pulp" and it contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Before root canal treatment, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

When the pulp is diseased or injured and it is unable to repair itself, it dies. Cracked teeth and deep cavities are the most common causes of injured pulp. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, infection builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming what is called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.