Hearing that you need a root canal can be intimidating, but choosing to delay or ignore this crucial dental treatment can have serious consequences. Root canal therapy is designed to save a severely infected or damaged tooth. Without it, the issue won’t go away on its own. In fact, it will likely get worse over time, leading to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems.
Here’s what can happen if you don’t get a root canal when your dentist recommends one.
Persistent Pain and Sensitivity
One of the most common signs that you need a root canal is ongoing tooth pain, especially when chewing or exposed to hot and cold temperatures. This pain is caused by an infection or inflammation in the pulp of the tooth. Without treatment, the discomfort typically worsens. Over-the-counter painkillers may provide temporary relief, but they won’t treat the underlying problem.
Spread of Infection
If you avoid a root canal, the infection inside your tooth can spread to the surrounding tissue. This can lead to:
- Abscess formation, a painful pocket of pus near the root.
- Swelling in your face, neck, or jaw.
- Bone loss around the tooth root.
- Drainage of pus into your gums or skin, causing a bad taste or smell.
The longer you wait, the more severe the infection becomes, and the more difficult (and costly) treatment can be.
Tooth Loss
Without a root canal to remove the infected tissue, your tooth will eventually die. When this happens, extraction may be the only option. While there are good tooth replacement options like implants or bridges, they can be expensive and involve more procedures than a root canal. Saving your natural tooth is always the best-case scenario when possible.
Jawbone Deterioration
Losing a tooth due to an untreated infection can lead to jawbone deterioration over time. Your natural tooth roots stimulate the bone to keep it healthy. Once a tooth is gone, that stimulation stops, and the bone may begin to shrink. This can affect your appearance and make future dental work, such as implants, more complicated.
Systemic Health Risks
An untreated dental infection doesn’t just stay in your mouth. In rare but serious cases, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream, leading to systemic infections that affect other parts of your body. This is especially risky for individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Avoiding a root canal may seem like a way to save time or money, but it can lead to far worse outcomes, both for your oral health and overall well-being. Root canals are a safe, common procedure with a high success rate and minimal discomfort, especially with today’s advanced techniques. If your dentist recommends a root canal, don’t delay. Taking action now can relieve pain, save your natural tooth, and prevent complications down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Scott has performed over 35,000 root canals in his career. He graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, served in the United States Navy, and went on to receive his Certification in Endodontics and Master of Science degree from Northwestern University. Dr. Scott was also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern Dental School. With such experience, you can trust Dr. Scott and our team of professionals to provide you with the very best care during your root canal treatment. Schedule your appointment today online or call our Melbourne office at (321) 722-0550.