What Happens if You Postpone a Necessary Root Canal Treatment?

When your dentist recommends that you get a root canal treatment, it usually means there’s a serious issue inside the tooth that cannot heal on its own. While the idea of getting a root canal might sound intimidating for many patients, putting it off can actually make things worse, not just for your tooth, but for your overall health.

Let’s talk about what happens inside your tooth, why delaying a root canal can be risky, and why it’s best to follow through with your root canal treatment appointment as soon as possible.

Why You Need to Get a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is often needed when the soft centre of your tooth, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp is basically the lifeblood of the tooth, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, keeping it alive and healthy.

When bacteria reach this inner area (often due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma), the pulp cannot heal on its own anymore. This infection can cause pain, swelling, or even a tooth abscess. In some cases, the infection may quietly damage the nerve without causing any pain, and the only clue might be a darkened tooth or something picked up on a dental X-ray.

With that, a root canal treatment, sometimes called root canal therapy (RCT) or endodontic treatment, may help alleviate the pain by removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to stop further infection.

Now, what will happen if you delay this treatment? Let’s find out.

What Happens If You Delay or Postpone the Treatment?

It might be tempting to wait, especially if you’re still not in pain or can endure the pain. But delaying root canal treatment can actually lead to serious consequences.

1. The Pain Can Get Much Worse

If your tooth pulp is still alive but inflamed, that irritation can turn into severe, throbbing pain. It often becomes more intense at night or when eating or drinking something hot or cold. Once the infection spreads deeper into the root, the pain can become unbearable.

A timely root canal treatment can help relieve pain and prevent the infection from worsening. Waiting only prolongs your discomfort and makes treatment more complex later on.

2. Infection Can Spread Beyond the Tooth

Even if there’s no pain, an untreated dental infection is still dangerous. Why? Because the infection from one tooth can spread to surrounding tissues, causing swelling in your face or jaw.

Dentists also noticed that infections in the upper teeth can even spread toward the eyes or brain. On the other hand, infections in lower teeth can move under the tongue or floor of the mouth, leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is called Ludwig’s Angina. 

In short, having an infected pulp or tooth abscess can become a medical emergency if not treated promptly.

3. Bacteria Can Enter the Bloodstream

Your teeth are not separate from the rest of your body; they are connected by blood vessels. That means bacteria from an infected tooth can travel through your bloodstream to other organs.

In rare but serious cases, this can lead to infections in vital areas like the heart valves or brain. This condition, known as bacteremia, can have life-threatening effects if left untreated.

So, even if you’re not feeling pain, a “quiet” infection inside your tooth can slowly affect your overall health.

4. The Tooth May Eventually Need to Be Removed

If the infection continues to destroy the tooth structure and surrounding bone, it may no longer be possible to save the tooth with a root canal treatment.

At that stage, tooth extraction may be your only option. However, replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge is often more costly and time-consuming than completing a root canal when it’s first recommended.

Why You Should Stick to Your Root Canal Treatment Schedule

When your dentist sets a root canal treatment schedule, it’s not just for convenience, but it’s putting a stop to the infection from spreading further. The sooner you get treated, the more likely it is that your natural tooth can be saved.

If you delay your root canal treatment appointment, the infection can worsen in a matter of days or weeks. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of complications, both dental and medical.

A root canal treatment procedure is typically done over one or two visits, depending on how severe the infection is. Once completed, your dentist may recommend placing a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.

What Are the Signs You Might Need a Root Canal?

Even before a dentist recommends the procedure, there are some warning signs that let you know you need a root canal procedure. Here are seven signs for you to aware:

• Persistent, throbbing toothache – Ongoing pain that may get worse at night or without any clear cause.
• Pain when biting or chewing – Discomfort or pressure pain when eating or applying force on the tooth.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold – Sharp or lingering pain when consuming hot drinks or cold foods.
• Swelling of the gums or face – Red, tender, or swollen gum tissue, a small bump on the gum, or puffiness near the cheek or under the eye.
• Darkening or discolouration of the tooth – A tooth that appears grey, brown, or darker than nearby teeth.
• Bad taste or smell in the mouth – Persistent unpleasant taste or odour caused by fluid or pus from an infected tooth.
• Trouble sleeping due to pain – Tooth pain that worsens when lying down or keeps you awake at night.

Why Acting Early Can Save Your Tooth

If your dentist has recommended a root canal treatment, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Whether or not you’re in pain, an infected tooth will not heal on its own.

If ever you’re in Blackburn, VIC, our team at Whitehorse Dental offers preventative and advanced guidance for your dental health

Book your root canal treatment appointment today.