A root canal is a dental procedure that many people dread, often due to misconceptions and fears. However, delaying the procedure when necessary can lead to serious consequences. If you’re wondering what happens if you delay a root canal, the effects can go far beyond pain. The longer you wait, the more risk you face. In this blog, we’ll dive into why putting off a root canal is not a good idea and how it can affect your overall dental health.
What is a Root Canal?
Before we discuss the dangers of delaying a root canal, let’s understand what it entails. A root canal is a dental treatment to save a severely decayed or infected tooth. Treatment involves removing infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth; after cleaning and disinfecting, it is sealed to prevent further damage.
Root canals are a standard treatment that saves millions of teeth from being extracted every year. Though the idea of a root canal may be uncomfortable, modern dentistry makes the process significantly less painful than many people perceive it to be.
Delaying a Root Canal: The Risks
1. Increased Pain and Discomfort
The most immediate effect of delaying a root canal is continued pain. At first, the pain from an infected tooth may be dull but can become severe over time. The infection sets in deeper into the tooth, affecting the nerves. What was once a manageable discomfort can quickly turn into throbbing and persistent pain that could require emergency care.
2. Tooth Loss
Putting off a root canal treatment in Spokane will ultimately result in tooth loss. If the infection inside the tooth is not treated on time, it will spread to the surrounding tissue, which includes the gum and jawbone. This can also result in abscesses and painful pus pockets because of infection. In severe cases, the disease may weaken the tooth beyond recovery, and the tooth may need extraction.
3. Transmission of Infection
Another significant risk is the spread of infection. An untreated infection from a decayed tooth can travel through the bloodstream, potentially affecting other areas of the body, such as the heart. This can lead to severe health conditions, including endocarditis or other systemic infections. It’s not just your tooth at risk—your overall health could be compromised.
4. Complicated treatment
The longer you wait, the more complicated the root canal becomes. What could have been a relatively straightforward procedure may turn into something more complex if the infection has spread to other areas of the tooth or surrounding bone. This makes the procedure longer and more invasive, and sometimes even results in additional treatments.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
When you visit your dentist for a root canal, here’s what you can expect:
- Examination – Your dentist will examine the tooth and take dental X-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
- Anesthesia: This local anesthesia numbs the area around the infected tooth, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Cleaning and Sealing: The infected pulp is taken out, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Then, the tooth is sealed to block further infections.
- Restoration: The tooth may then be restored with a crown or filling to protect and restore the tooth.
Why You Should Not Delay a Root Canal in Spokane
If you’re considering delaying a root canal, consider the long-term consequences. Ignoring the need for a root canal can result in more extensive dental work, higher costs, and, most importantly, intense discomfort. Choosing to wait can also impact your overall oral health and potentially lead to more severe complications down the line.
Treatment is necessary the moment there is a problem. It’s crucial not to wait for the pain to get worse or the infection to develop, but to make a root canal appointment today. Schedule your consultation now to preserve your smile.
