When the center of your tooth, the pulp, becomes infected or dies, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth.  The pulp of a tooth is made of soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.  It becomes infected when bacteria invades, most commonly through a deep cavity.

Without treatment, the infection can spread through the tooth (killing it) and move onto the jaw bone where it can cause painful abcesses.  In root canal therapy, the dentist will remove all infected tissue and insert filling material into the pulp chamber.  A crown will be placed on the top of the tooth to fully restore it's form and function.

Signs of an infected tooth can include sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, pain with biting or chewing, throbbing, or swelling.  However, some people have no symptoms at all.  It is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis so he can check for infected teeth.