When a dentist recommends a root canal, it’s tempting to put off treatment, especially if your tooth isn’t causing much discomfort. In some cases, your toothache can go away completely. But avoiding a needed root canal rarely makes the underlying problem disappear. In many cases, delaying treatment can allow an infection to spread and turn a manageable dental problem into a more serious one.
The Infection Can Get Worse
A root canal is typically recommended when the soft tissue inside a tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or severely damaged. Without treatment, bacteria can continue multiplying inside the tooth. The infection may eventually spread beyond the tooth’s roots and into the surrounding tissues.
Even if your pain disappears, that doesn’t necessarily mean the infection has healed. In some cases, pain decreases because the nerve inside the tooth has died. The infection, however, may still be present and progressing.
You May Develop an Abscess
One potential consequence of an untreated dental infection is an abscess. This is a pocket of pus that can form around the root of the infected tooth. An abscess may cause swelling, tenderness, a bad taste in your mouth, fever, or significant pain.
It’s recommended you seek prompt treatment if an abscess forms. Depending on the situation, your dentist may recommend a root canal, drainage, antibiotics when appropriate, or extraction of the affected tooth.
The Tooth Could Break
An infected or severely damaged tooth often weakens over time. If you keep chewing with it without addressing the underlying problem, the tooth could crack or fracture. A tooth that might have been saved with a root canal and restoration could eventually become too damaged to repair.
You Could Lose the Tooth
In some cases, delaying treatment can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Once a tooth has been badly damaged by infection or fracture, extraction may be the only remaining option. Losing the tooth can create additional concerns, like difficulty chewing and the need for tooth replacement.
Infection Can Spread
A dental infection should never be taken lightly. Although serious complications are uncommon, an untreated infection can spread into nearby tissues and, in severe cases, cause potentially dangerous systemic complications. Facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or feeling severely ill warrants urgent medical attention.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, delaying treatment may only create more problems. Root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain and eliminate infection and thus stop further complications. Always communicate with your doctor about any concerns you may have prior to treatment!
About the Author
As a board-certified endodontist in East Brunswick, Dr. Jonathan Kim’s specialty is in treating tooth pain, disease, and infection. In other words, he’s who you want if you need a root canal! With a dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and advanced training in endodontics from Boston University, Dr. Kim is here for you if your damaged or decayed tooth is causing you pain. You may reach us by phone at (732) 426-1030 or visit our website to book your appointment.