What Happens if You Delay Getting a Root Canal?

It is easy to make excuses for putting off a root canal procedure. But putting off the inevitable, whether it is because of fear of pain or worry about how long a root canal will take, or even how long it might take to find a root canal specialist, may not only delay the inevitable but may also make things worse.

Root canals stop an infected tooth from hurting and stop the infection from spreading. Come to Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates as soon as you feel tooth or jaw pain.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

Root canal treatment saves severely decayed, fractured or infected teeth. A root canal is a technique used to clean the canals at the base of a tooth. Your dentist will extract the decaying pulp from the tooth, clean and disinfect the chamber, fill the tooth with a protective material and seal the tooth to prevent further infection.

A local anesthetic is applied to the afflicted tooth to make the process painless and comfortable for the patient.

You do not have a choice if your dentist advises a root canal, aside from pulling out the tooth. The most common reasons for requiring a root canal are severe decay, trauma to the tooth or a crack.

Also, you may be in pain that ranges from mild to debilitating. Knowing that a root canal will relieve that pain should make it easier for you to agree to the necessary procedure. Nevertheless, you may wonder, “What if I delay or avoid getting a root canal?”

Complications Linked to the Delay or Avoidance of a Root Canal

Because infection does not resolve on its own, your tooth problem will not disappear without the assistance of a dentist. For example, if you put off getting a root canal, the infection in your mouth will only worsen and could even spread throughout your body, a condition known as septicemia. Avoiding this potentially life-threatening health condition at all possible costs would be best.

If you need help with a root canal or other dental work, we suggest you see a skilled dentist at Mansouri Family Dental Care & Associates. Do not hesitate to call us as soon as you feel pain in your mouth. We can schedule a visit and have you feeling better in no time.