What Happens If You Delay a Needed Root Canal?

When your dentist recommends a root canal, it’s usually because the inner part of your tooth, known as the pulp, is damaged or infected. While the idea of getting a root canal may seem intimidating, delaying treatment can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about what can happen if you put it off.

The Infection Can Worsen

A root canal is designed to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues. Over time, this can lead to severe pain, swelling, and abscess formation.

You May Experience Increased Pain

At first, you might only feel occasional discomfort or sensitivity. However, as the infection progresses, the pain can become sharp, constant, and difficult to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. What starts as a minor issue can quickly become unbearable.

Risk of Tooth Loss

If an infected tooth isn’t treated in time, the damage may become irreversible. The only option may be to extract the tooth. While tooth replacement options like implants or bridges exist, they can be more expensive, time-consuming, and less ideal than saving your natural tooth with a root canal.

Impact on Overall Health

Oral infections don’t always stay localized. If bacteria from the infected tooth enter your bloodstream, it can affect other parts of your body and increase your risk of systemic health issues, including cardiovascular problems.

More Complex and Costly Treatment Later

Delaying a root canal often means more advanced problems down the road. A tooth that could have been saved with a straightforward root canal may instead require extraction, bone grafting, or extensive restorative procedures - all of which come at a higher cost and require more visits.

Restore Comfort & Confidence in Your Smile at Seaport Dental Associates

A root canal is not something to put off. Delaying treatment can result in worsening pain, tooth loss, and even risks to your overall health. Acting promptly not only saves your tooth but also helps protect your well-being.

At Seaport Dental Associates, we specialize in providing comfortable, effective root canal treatments to preserve your smile and relieve pain. Contact our offices in Boston or Milton, Massachusetts, by calling (617) 737-6453 or (617) 690-3205 to book an appointment today.