When your dentist recommends a root canal, it usually means the inner portion of your tooth—the pulp—has become infected or severely inflamed. While it may be tempting to delay treatment, ignoring the problem can lead to serious complications. Understanding what happens if you don’t get a root canal can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
The Infection Won’t Go Away on Its Own
A root canal is needed when bacteria invade the pulp tissue inside the tooth. This infection cannot heal without treatment. In fact, it typically worsens over time. You may initially experience pain, sensitivity, or swelling, but even if the pain subsides, the infection can still be present.
When the nerve tissue dies, discomfort may temporarily decrease. However, the bacteria remain and continue spreading deeper into the surrounding bone and tissues.
Increased Pain and Swelling
If left untreated, the infection can intensify. You may develop severe tooth pain, sensitivity to pressure, gum swelling, or even facial swelling. In some cases, a dental abscess—a pocket of pus—forms at the root tip.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, untreated infections can lead to significant discomfort and may require more extensive treatment than a simple root canal.
Risk of Tooth Loss
Without a root canal, the infected tooth may eventually need to be extracted. Once the structure of the tooth weakens and the infection damages surrounding bone, saving it may no longer be possible.
Tooth loss can affect your ability to chew, alter your bite alignment, and impact your overall appearance. Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or dental implant is often more costly and time-consuming than preserving your natural tooth with a root canal.
Spread of Infection
In rare but serious cases, untreated dental infections can spread beyond the mouth. Bacteria may travel into surrounding tissues, the jawbone, or even the bloodstream. This can lead to systemic health complications and requires urgent medical attention.
Prompt treatment greatly reduces these risks and prevents the infection from advancing.
A root canal is designed to remove infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth. Avoiding treatment may seem like a short-term solution, but it can lead to worsening pain, tooth loss, and more complex procedures down the road. If your dentist recommends a root canal, addressing the issue early is typically the safest and most effective way to protect both your smile and your overall health.
About the Practice
Have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs saving? We can do it at Newton Corner Dental Care with root canal therapy. Contrary to what you may have heard, we can perform this procedure virtually pain-free and save your natural smile. If iced tea or hot coffee has your tooth in pain, it may be time to come see us. Don’t delay, book your appointment online or call (617) 332-6232.
