What Happens If You Avoid a Root Canal Treatment?

Hearing the words “you need a root canal” can make anyone pause. It’s a treatment that’s often misunderstood, and some people might be tempted to delay or avoid it altogether. However, avoiding a root canal isn’t just putting off a procedure, it’s potentially putting your oral health and overall well-being at risk.

At Brandon Smiles Dentistry, we believe that understanding the importance of a root canal can help patients make informed decisions about their dental care. In this blog, we’ll explain what happens when you avoid a root canal, the consequences of untreated tooth infections, and why addressing the issue promptly can save your smile and your health.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?

A root canal is a procedure designed to save a tooth that’s been damaged by deep decay or infection. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected (often due to a cavity, crack, or injury) it can cause severe pain and discomfort.

A root canal removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. This preserves the natural tooth structure and restores its function, allowing you to chew and smile with confidence.

What Happens If You Avoid a Root Canal?

If you choose to avoid or delay a root canal, the consequences can extend beyond persistent tooth pain. Here’s what can happen if the problem is left untreated:

1. The Infection Will Spread

When a tooth is infected, bacteria can multiply and spread to the surrounding tissues. The infection can extend to the jawbone, gums, and even neighboring teeth, leading to a more serious condition known as an abscess.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection, and it can result in swelling, fever, and severe pain. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing life-threatening complications.

2. The Tooth Will Die

Over time, the infected pulp in your tooth will die. While this might temporarily relieve the pain, it doesn’t mean the problem has resolved. The dead tissue can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to further decay and damage. Ultimately, the tooth may become so compromised that extraction is the only option.

3. You Could Lose the Tooth

Avoiding a root canal increases the likelihood of losing the affected tooth. Once the tooth is extracted, it will need to be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain your ability to chew properly and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. Replacing a missing tooth is more invasive, costly, and time-consuming than undergoing a root canal.

4. Your Oral Health Will Deteriorate

Untreated tooth infections can compromise the overall health of your mouth. Swollen gums, bad breath, and discomfort can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of further decay and gum disease.

5. Your Overall Health Could Be Affected

Oral health is closely connected to overall health. An untreated infection in your mouth can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, potentially causing systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes complications, or respiratory infections.

Why People Avoid Root Canals

Many people avoid root canals due to fear or misconceptions about the procedure. It’s common to associate root canals with pain, but modern dental techniques and anesthesia make the treatment virtually painless. In fact, the procedure is designed to relieve pain caused by the infection, not create it.

Another reason people delay treatment is the cost. While a root canal can be an investment, it’s far less expensive and less invasive than dealing with the consequences of tooth loss or a spreading infection.

The Benefits of Addressing the Problem Early

Addressing the need for a root canal as soon as possible has numerous benefits. By treating the issue early, you can:

• Save Your Tooth: A root canal allows you to preserve your natural tooth, which is always the best option for maintaining proper function and aesthetics.
• Avoid Pain and Discomfort: The sooner you address the infection, the sooner you’ll experience relief from pain and sensitivity.
• Prevent Complications: Timely treatment reduces the risk of infection spreading to other parts of your body.
• Save Money in the Long Run: Treating the problem early can prevent the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures down the road.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

Understanding what happens during a root canal can help ease any anxiety you may have about the procedure. The process begins with numbing the area to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will then create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp.

The damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Once the tooth is free of infection, it’s sealed to protect it from further damage. In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

The entire procedure is straightforward and typically takes one or two visits. Many patients are surprised at how comfortable and quick the process is, especially compared to the pain of living with an untreated tooth infection.

Root Canals at Brandon Smiles Dentistry

Avoiding a root canal might seem like an easy choice in the moment, but it can lead to serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of complications that could result in pain, tooth loss, or more extensive treatments.

At Brandon Smiles Dentistry, we’re here to make the root canal process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to preserving your smile and ensuring your dental health for years to come.

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain or suspect you might need a root canal, don’t wait any longer. Book an appointment with us today!