We may suggest root canal therapy if there is inflammation or infection inside one of your teeth. If your tooth is damaged in any way, bacteria can get inside it. This causes irritation, pain and swelling. If the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, this can spread into the pulp inside the root canal. If an infection isn’t treated, it can spread further and cause an abscess. This can be painful, tender and can cause swelling around your tooth and jaw. Sometimes your tooth may look darker in colour than your other teeth, which means that the nerve inside your tooth is dead or dying. Without treatment, the infection may spread further into your jawbone and you may need to have your tooth removed.