“You need a root canal.” If your dentist says that to you, you might feel some nervousness about the procedure. You could even be tempted to delay or forgo the treatment altogether! However, that is not wise. Unnecessarily postponing or completely refusing a root canal could lead to some serious consequences! In this blog post, you will discover what might happen without timely treatment.
Ongoing Pain and Discomfort
An infected tooth can cause severe pain, and the problem may increase over time, especially with chewing or exposure to hot and cold temperatures. This discomfort can interfere with daily activities, including eating and speaking. You might even find that the pain robs you of much-needed rest.
Delaying treatment can also lead to swelling in the gums or face. The area around the affected tooth may become tender and sensitive to the touch. You might additionally experience recurring headaches or jaw pain as your body attempts to fight the underlying infection.
A timely root canal can stop the pain at its source and allow your body to finally recover.
Tooth Loss
Refusing a root canal can place your natural tooth at serious risk. If an infection spreads too deep into your tooth, it may become irreparably damaged. In such cases, extraction may become the only option.
Tooth loss can impact the appearance of your smile, making you feel self-conscious. In addition, missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift, resulting in changes to your bite and jaw alignment.
Of course, you could choose to get a dental implant to replace a lost tooth and preserve your oral health. However, doing so is likely to cost more in the long run than if you had gotten a root canal to begin with.
Widespread Systemic Infection
A dental infection does not always remain confined to the tooth. If bacteria from an untreated infection enter the bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of the body. This can result in systemic illness. In rare instances, people have even died from complications that resulted from an untreated tooth infection.
The Importance of Prompt Dental Care
There is no need to be afraid of root canal therapy! If your dentist recommends it, you can be confident that they are acting in your best interests. Of course, you should feel free to ask questions or even get a second opinion if you have doubts about the need for treatment. Once you gather adequate information, though, you should act quickly to save your tooth, end your discomfort, and possibly avoid life-threatening consequences.
Meet the Practice
At Anderson Family Dental by Espire, our team is proud to provide a broad range of restorative and emergency services, including root canal therapy. We strive to make treatment as comfortable as possible, and we are always willing to answer our patients’ questions about the care recommendations we make. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Colorado Springs office at 719-521-4945.