Why do people get root canals?

Affected pulp: Root canals are need when the pulp or nerve of the tooth is traumatized or reached by tooth decay. A blow to a tooth or a broken tooth may result in the need for a rootcanal.

Pain or infection: Root canal therapy is necessary when a tooth becomes painful due to bacterial irritation. In its early stages you feel pain to hot and cold that lasts for several minutes. In the later stages you develop pain and swelling from an infection.