What Happens If You Don't Get a Root Canal?

Imagine you're eating your favorite food and suddenly experiencing a severe burst of discomfort as you bite down. Your tooth may also feel strongly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. In this situation, it is best to call your dentist immediately to determine whether you need a root canal.

This blog will explain what happens if you delay or avoid a necessary root canal, including the long-term consequences of skipping this treatment.

Why Root Canals are Necessary

Root canals can be performed on broken, cracked, or severely decayed teeth. When a tooth develops an interior infection, it needs a root canal. The nerve pulp becomes inflamed or infected and may die, causing severe discomfort.

Root Canal or Extraction?

Many patients believe that an extraction is a better choice than a root canal because it is thought to be less expensive. While extractions are affordable, the price of a new restoration like a bridge, implant, or denture can quickly add up. A root canal and crown is a far more economical alternative if your doctor can save your tooth.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Root Canal

If you need a root canal, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Intense discomfort when biting or chewing using the affected tooth
• Extreme sensitivity to heat and cold, especially if the sensation persists after removing the food or beverage
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or red gums
• Swollen face or jaw
• Fever or chills
• Root canal necessity indicated by dental imaging (no outward symptoms)

The Root Canal Procedure

While root canals have a reputation for discomfort, dentists reassure patients that today's procedures feel no different than getting a filling. Your dentist will provide you wih local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

The first step in a root canal procedure is using a small drill to make an opening in the tooth's crown. The dentist cleans the tooth with tiny tools, removing every trace of infection and decay. If needed, the dentist will place antibiotic medication inside the tooth. When the tooth is clean and sanitized, the dentist refills it with a specialized material and seals it with a dental crown.

What Happens When You Delay a Root Canal

If you catch a tooth that needs a root canal promptly, the tooth should respond well to treatment. It will not need extraction or a costly replacement like a bridge or implant. A dental crown will be enough to restore its chewing ability.

Delaying a root canal causes the infection to flourish inside your tooth. The disease may spread to the gums, bone, and adjacent teeth, endangering not only the original tooth but also its neighbors. Your tooth infection could also pass into the bloodstream and cause severe systemic illness.

If you wait too long to get a root canal, the tooth usually needs extraction and replacement. To increase your chance of keeping your natural tooth, contact your dentist immediately when you notice any signs that you may need treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

Is a root canal damaging to my health?

Century-old medical misinformation from discredited sources may cause many patients to think twice before receiving root canal treatment. In truth, the procedure is safe and does not cause or spread disease. It treats infections and helps to preserve many natural teeth from extraction.

For how long can I avoid a root canal?

To avoid further complications, secure an appointment for your root canal as soon as possible. Try to schedule your appointment within a few days to a week after noticing symptoms.

Some patients try to avoid root canals and instead wait for the pain to subside on its own. Unfortunately, a tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself. While the discomfort may ease temporarily, it will come back worse than before.

Call Springfield Healthy Smiles

A root canal relieves discomfort and treats infections that could spread to other teeth. If you receive prompt treatment, your chances of saving your natural tooth significantly increase.

If you have any of the above symptoms or suspect you need a root canal, please call our Springfield, VA, office at 703-866-7000 or book an appointment online. We want to help you regain your comfort and protect your oral health.