Toothaches are no picnic – that throbbing pain can make even the simplest tasks feel like a marathon. However, a root canal may be necessary if the pain is severe or persistent. While dental work might not be thrilling, avoiding a root canal when needed can have severe consequences for your oral and even overall health.
This guide explains why you might need a root canal and what happens if you ignore it. It also explores some options for managing any anxiety about the procedure.
Why might you need a root canal?
The pulp, the tooth’s soft tissue core, comprises nerves and blood vessels. This pulp keeps your tooth alive and helps you feel hot and cold. If deep decay, a fractured tooth, or repeated dental procedures damage the pulp, it can become infected or inflamed, often leading to a painful toothache. A dental pulp infection, or pulpitis, occurs when the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected.
A root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans the canals inside the tooth’s root, and then seals it with a filling. This saves the tooth, allowing you to chew comfortably and maintain a healthy smile.
What happens if you ignore a root canal treatment?
Ignoring a root canal can lead to more than discomfort. Here’s what could happen if you avoid the procedure:
- Increased pain: The pain won’t go away. It’s likely to worsen as the infection spreads deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues.
- Spread of infection: The bacteria from the infected tooth can spread to your jawbone, gums, and even other parts of your body, causing severe health issues.
- Tooth loss: Eventually, the infected tooth may become too damaged to save and need to be extracted.
- Abscess formation: An untreated infection can lead to an abscess, a pocket of pus around the tooth. This condition can be excruciating and may require surgery.
- Bone loss: Infections that spread beyond the tooth can lead to bone loss around the affected area, making future treatments more complicated.
Delaying treatment can result in tooth loss and other complications. Therefore, acting promptly when your dentist recommends a root canal is essential.
Can avoiding a root canal affect your overall health?
Avoiding a root canal doesn’t just impact your oral health—it can also affect your overall well-being. Here’s how:
- Compromised immune system: Chronic infections can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight other illnesses.
- Sinus infections: Infections in the upper teeth can spread to the sinuses, causing sinusitis.
- Diabetes complications: If you have diabetes, untreated infections can make it harder to control your blood sugar, leading to further complications.
Are there alternatives to root canals?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many alternatives to a root canal when the pulp is infected or inflamed. Leaving the tooth untreated will only worsen the problem. However, if the infection hasn’t reached the pulp, alternative treatments like removing decay and placing a filling may be an option.
Can avoiding a root canal lead to more expensive treatments?
Avoiding a root canal doesn’t just lead to more pain—it can also result in higher costs. Here’s how delaying treatment can impact your wallet:
- More complex procedures: The longer you wait, the worse the infection becomes, potentially requiring more invasive procedures like tooth extraction, dental implants, or surgery to repair the damage.
- Multiple appointments: Untreated infections may require several dental visits, each adding to the cost of treatment.
- Emergency care: If the infection worsens, you may need emergency dental care, which is often more expensive than routine treatment.
- Additional procedures: Ignoring the problem could lead to complications such as abscesses, bone loss, and the need for a bridge or dental implant, which can be costly.
By addressing the issue early, you can avoid these expensive treatments and preserve your natural tooth, saving money and time.
What are your options for reducing root canal anxiety?
Dental anxiety is common, especially when it comes to procedures like root canals. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your stress and make the experience more comfortable:
- Sedation dentistry: Many clinics offer sedation options to help you relax during the procedure. These include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives.
- Open communication: Let your dentist know about your concerns. They can walk you through the procedure so you know what to expect, which can help alleviate anxiety.
- Distraction techniques: Some clinics provide music, TV, or other distractions to help take your mind off the procedure.
- Breathing exercises: Practice breathing techniques to stay calm and focused before and during the procedure.
Why is early diagnosis and treatment crucial?
The sooner a dental issue is diagnosed, the better the outcome. Here’s why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial:
- Prevents tooth loss: Early treatment can save your tooth from needing extraction or more invasive procedures.
- Stops infection spread: By addressing the issue early, you can prevent the disease from spreading to other body parts.
- Less pain: Treating a tooth early means less discomfort overall. Waiting too long can lead to severe pain that’s harder to manage.
- Cost-effective: Early intervention can save you from expensive treatments later on. Routine dental check-ups and timely procedures can help you avoid costly and complicated dental work in the future.
Restore your dental health at Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been advised to get a root canal, don’t wait! At Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre, we offer expert root canal treatments in a caring and relaxed environment. Our team will guide you through the process, using the latest techniques to ensure your comfort. We also offer various dental services, from preventive care to cosmetic dentistry, ensuring all dental needs are met. Book a root canal appointment at Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre and take the first step towards a healthier smile!