What Are the Risks of Not Getting a Root Canal When You Need One?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged. While many patients feel apprehensive about undergoing the procedure, delaying or forgoing a root canal when it’s necessary can have serious consequences for both your oral and overall health. Root canals are generally a safe and effective treatment that can save a tooth from extraction and prevent further complications. However, if left untreated, a tooth infection can worsen, leading to significant risks. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and cleaning the root canals to eliminate bacteria and infection. After the pulp is removed, the empty space is filled with a biocompatible material to seal it off. A crown is typically placed on the tooth to restore its strength and function. This treatment is generally recommended when a tooth’s pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.

While root canals have a reputation for being uncomfortable, advancements in modern dentistry have made the procedure virtually pain-free. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. However, if a root canal is not performed when necessary, it can lead to severe complications.

The Risks of Not Getting a Root Canal

1. Worsening Infection One of the most significant risks of not getting a root canal when needed is the progression of the infection. The infection inside the tooth occurs when bacteria penetrate the pulp, usually due to deep decay or trauma. If untreated, the bacteria can spread, causing the infection to worsen and affect surrounding tissues, including the bone and gums.

A worsening infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and abscess formation. Left untreated, it may eventually lead to systemic infections that affect the rest of the body. An untreated dental infection can even be life-threatening in rare cases, leading to conditions such as sepsis, which can spread throughout the body and become a medical emergency.

2. Tooth Abscess When the infection inside a tooth spreads to the root tip, it can lead to the formation of an abscess—a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. An abscess can cause intense pain and swelling, and it may even drain pus through the gums.

Abscesses are often accompanied by fever, a bad taste or odor in the mouth, and general discomfort. They can cause significant pain and discomfort, and the infection may spread to nearby teeth and bone, which could necessitate more aggressive treatments such as tooth extraction. If left untreated, an abscess can become large enough to cause damage to the jawbone and may result in tooth loss.

3. Tooth Loss One of the most obvious and serious risks of not seeking root canal treatment is tooth loss. If the infection is left untreated for too long, it can destroy the tooth’s pulp and surrounding structures, weakening the tooth and making it prone to fracture. In some cases, the infection can spread to the bone surrounding the tooth, causing bone loss and ultimately leading to the tooth’s extraction.

When a tooth is lost due to infection or damage, it often requires replacement with an implant, bridge, or denture, which can be more expensive and complicated than simply preserving the natural tooth with a root canal. Additionally, tooth loss can lead to misalignment, bite issues, and further oral health complications.

4. Damage to Surrounding Teeth and Structures An untreated infection in a tooth doesn’t just affect the tooth itself; it can also damage surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. If the infection spreads, it can weaken the neighboring teeth, leading to additional dental problems that may require more extensive treatments.

Furthermore, the infection can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to periodontal disease or the loss of gum tissue. Over time, untreated infections can even affect the jawbone, causing bone resorption, which may make it more difficult to place dental implants or restore the tooth later.

5. Increased Pain and Discomfort Initially, a tooth infection might cause mild pain or sensitivity, but if the condition worsens, it can lead to severe, persistent pain. The discomfort is often triggered by pressure, such as when chewing or touching the tooth. Without treatment, the pain will likely increase, and the infection may cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling in the surrounding tissues.

The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more intense the pain will become. Root canal therapy is specifically designed to relieve this pain by removing the infection and sealing the tooth. Without treatment, you may experience ongoing or increasing pain that interferes with daily activities.

6. Potential for Systemic Health Issues Untreated dental infections, especially those that lead to abscesses, can have significant repercussions for your overall health. Bacteria from an infected tooth can enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic issues such as bacterial endocarditis, a rare but serious infection of the heart’s inner lining.

In some cases, untreated infections have been linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While these are relatively rare complications, the risk increases as the infection worsens and spreads. By addressing the infection early with a root canal, you can reduce the likelihood of these severe systemic issues.

7. Higher Treatment Costs While the cost of root canal therapy may seem high initially, it is often much less expensive than the alternatives, such as tooth extraction and replacement. If you delay a root canal, the infection may worsen to the point where extraction is the only viable option, leading to the need for more extensive restorative procedures, such as implants or bridges. These treatments are not only more expensive but also require more time and effort to complete.

By addressing the problem early with a root canal, you can save money in the long run by preserving your natural tooth and avoiding the costs associated with tooth loss and replacement.

Conclusion

Root canal therapy is a highly effective way to save an infected or damaged tooth and prevent more severe complications down the road. However, delaying or avoiding treatment can lead to worsening infections, tooth loss, increased pain, and potential systemic health issues. If you experience symptoms like persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold, it’s essential to seek dental care promptly. Early intervention can save you from more extensive and expensive treatments while preserving your oral health and preventing further damage. Don’t ignore the signs of an infected tooth—get the care you need before it’s too late.