Sometimes the nerve inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth.

Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. But sometimes, there are no symptoms.

The dentist removes the inflamed or infected nerve, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.

Most patients report that having a root canal treatment today is as easy as having a cavity filled.