What Can Happen If You Don’t Get Root Canal Treatment?

If the dentist has recommended a root canal treatment, then there is a chance that you have an infected tooth. If the infection is not treated, it can spread from the tooth to the gums and jawbone around the decaying pulp. A significant infection might result in the loss of a tooth or jawbone. Untreated root canals can also result in tooth abscesses or even a potentially fatal heart attack, stroke, or sepsis. Fortunately, root canal treatment can prevent the infection from progressing and prevent excruciating pain.

Why a root canal is necessary

If the dentist advises a root canal, the alternative option is to undergo tooth extraction in most situations. Even though extraction is frequently recommended as an alternative to a root canal, saving your original tooth is always the better alternative. Extraction is often utilized as a last resort when a tooth cannot be salvaged. This could be the case if there is a significant fracture and the tooth crack spreads beyond the gumline. If tooth removal is necessary, the dentist will discuss replacement options such as implants and bridges.

Despite its unfounded bad reputation, a root canal is a standard operation that can prevent infection, relieve discomfort, and save the tooth. Therefore, patients need to trust the dentist and learn everything that they can to prepare adequately for the procedure. Failure to undergo root canal treatment can result in the following.

The risk of spreading infection

An untreated infection has the risk of spreading. The bacteria will find their way to uninfected cells and infect them. This could have consequences in other areas of the body. If the infection is in the root of the tooth, it can spread to other teeth and the jawbone. This would worsen the pain significantly.

If an infection spreads to the brain, the consequences can be potentially fatal. This means that death could occur if patients fail to undergo the recommended root canal to eliminate the infection. While this is a worst-case scenario, it is still possible, and patients should be aware of the consequences of an untreated root canal.

The pain will worsen significantly

Root canal treatment entails removing the tooth’s pulp. The tooth nerves are located in the pulp and are responsible for sensations. When they are touched or stimulated in any way, they convey a pain signal to the brain. These nerves can be exposed by a chipped or decayed tooth, causing discomfort. Patients can get rid of these sensations and avoid the pain by undergoing a root canal.

Tooth loss

Most people would rather save their tooth when it gets damaged than have it taken out. This option may not be feasible if an infected root canal goes untreated. If the damage is severe enough, the dentist may have to extract the tooth entirely.

Schedule an appointment

Seeing a dentist for a root canal treatment as soon as the problem is identified may let you keep your natural tooth. This is also cost-effective in the long term, as you may need a dental implant if the tooth is extracted.

Request an appointment here: https://agourahillscosmeticdentists.com or call The Smile Spa at (818) 573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.

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