If the cavity reaches the deeper part of a tooth called the pulp, it can cause continuous or severe toothache. This pain is especially noticeable when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold stimuli. Pain may also occur spontaneously without any stimulus.

If left untreated, it leads to an infection in the  pulp, resulting in gum swelling,  tenderness, and even the formation of a pus-filled abscess. If the decay (cavity) has reached the pulp, a root canal treatment (RCT)  is necessary.

The root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and filling them with a special material. A crown is often placed over the tooth afterward to protect it.In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged or unsalvageable, extraction may be the only option. However, former option is preferred as RCT saves the natural tooth, preserving its structure and function which is essential for maintaining proper bite alignment, chewing ability, and speech.