Hearing that you need a root canal can make some patients feel anxious or hesitant about treatment. Because of this, some people consider delaying or avoiding the procedure altogether. However, ignoring a tooth that needs a root canal can lead to serious oral health problems. A root canal is typically recommended when the inner portion of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or severely inflamed. The procedure removes the infection, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further damage.

Without treatment, the infection can continue to spread and worsen over time.