What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal?

Tooth pain can be easy to put off, especially if it comes and goes. However, when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed, the problem typically will not resolve on its own. Delaying a recommended root canal can allow the infection and damage to progress, potentially making treatment more complicated and putting the tooth at risk.

The Infection Can Continue to Spread

A root canal is often recommended when bacteria reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. Without treatment, bacteria can continue spreading through the root canals and into the tissues surrounding the tooth. As the infection progresses, you may experience increased pain, swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity when chewing. An abscess can also develop near the root of the affected tooth.

Symptoms May Temporarily Disappear

One reason patients sometimes delay root canal treatment is because their toothache suddenly improves. Unfortunately, a decrease in pain does not necessarily mean the tooth has healed.

If the nerve tissue inside the tooth dies, you may no longer feel the same level of sensitivity or discomfort. The infection can still remain and continue damaging the surrounding tissues even when the tooth feels better.

Delaying Treatment Can Lead to Additional Problems

Waiting too long to address an infected tooth may increase the likelihood of complications such as:

•          Increasing tooth pain or pressure

•          Swelling around the tooth or gums

•          Development of a dental abscess

•          Infection affecting nearby bone and tissues

•          Increased damage to the natural tooth

•          The eventual need for tooth extraction if the tooth can no longer be saved

Seeking dental care earlier generally gives us more opportunity to preserve the natural tooth.

You Could Lose a Tooth That Might Have Been Saved

The primary goal of root canal treatment is to remove infected or damaged pulp while preserving the remaining natural tooth. Once the infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, treated, and sealed. Depending on the tooth and the amount of damage, a dental crown may also be recommended to restore its strength and function.

If decay, infection, or structural damage progresses too far, however, root canal treatment may no longer be enough to save the tooth. Extraction and tooth replacement could then become necessary.

When Should You Have a Tooth Checked?

Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, pain while biting, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gums should not be ignored. Even if symptoms are mild or disappear temporarily, a dental examination can determine whether the tooth needs treatment. At Modern Smiles Family Dentistry, we can evaluate the affected tooth and determine the appropriate treatment for protecting your oral health.

Contact Modern Smiles Family Dentistry to schedule an evaluation and find out if root canal treatment can help save your tooth. Visit our office in Phoenix, AZ, or call (602) 362-7065 to book an appointment today.