A root canal is a treatment used to repair an infected tooth. Factors such as the patient’s general health, the extent of the infection and the anatomy of the tooth affect the outcome.

The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) consists of a hinge and a sliding joint, and can be easily damaged. Jaw pain and TMJ inflammation may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, stress, or trauma.

Common reasons for tooth removal include the eruption of a wisdom tooth or a tooth that is too badly damaged to be repaired. Tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia and most pain disappears within a week.