Root canal therapy may be necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected thus irritating the nerve and causing pain. Damage or inflammation to the pulp may be caused by several factors including:
a large deep cavity near the centre of the tooth causing tooth pain
a fractured tooth
previous trauma to the tooth
issues with a previous filling
excessive tooth wear causing extreme sensitivity or pain
If the infection is not treated the patient might lose the tooth and require a dental implant or a dental bridge. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, stops the pain, and saves the tooth.