Pain and Toothache
If the inner pulp of a tooth is exposed to bacteria in the saliva—most often from a neglected fracture or deep cavity—the pulp becomes infected. This infection can spread throughout the pulp and form an abscess. Unless this condition is treated, the tooth pulp will die and the tooth may be lost.

Root canal treatment can remove the infection and help save your damaged tooth. Modern anesthetics can keep you comfortable during the procedure, so you need not fear pain. However, if root canal treatment is not done, the infection may spread into nearby tissues and erode the jaw bone. An abscess can be painful and—if left untreated—can do permanent harm.