Bacteria and other debris can sometimes cause an infection or abscessed tooth. If not looked at immediately the infection can cause swelling that may spread to other areas of your mouth, head, or neck.

While you can just remove the tooth in question, it is usually a better option to try and keep the original tooth. Losing teeth can lead to other problems with the alignment on your jaw. Replacing with a false tooth can also have some also have some drawbacks, such as a sudden diet change. Root canal is usually a cheaper option as opposed to extracting a tooth and getting implants.

A common symptom is pain that does not go away. The level of pain can be quite high and does not go away, this can keep you awake at night. Another common symptom is swelling around the sore tooth. Your dentist should be able to notice any symptoms when you go for a regular checkup.

Having a root canal will usually make you feel better instead of worse. Root canals usually feel like getting a filling, which does not hurt. There may be some discomfort for a few days after the treatment, however over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can help with the discomfort.