Delaying or avoiding a root canal has major consequences for your oral health. At the office of Kenneth R. Russell DDS, we’ve seen how untreated tooth infections escalate into more severe problems. A root canal is a highly effective way to save a damaged tooth and prevent complications.
- Persistent Pain. A tooth needing a root canal is often infected or severely decayed, leading to pain. Ignoring the problem causes the pain to worsen over time and spread to other areas, such as your jaw, face, or neck.
- Worsening Infection. The infection inside your tooth will not go away on its own. Without treatment, it spreads to surrounding teeth, gums, and even your bloodstream, leading to a condition called sepsis, which is life-threatening.
- Tooth Loss. Avoiding a root canal may result in the loss of your tooth altogether. When the tooth’s pulp is damaged, it weakens the structure, eventually making the tooth unsalvageable.
- Bone Loss in the Jaw. An untreated infection spreads to the jawbone, causing bone loss around the affected tooth. This leads to long-term issues with your dental structure and bite alignment.
- Increased Treatment Costs. Postponing a root canal results in the need for more extensive and expensive treatments later, such as tooth extraction, implants, or bridges.
Still hesitant about getting a root canal? Most patients report immediate relief from pain after a root canal. Recovery is quick, and with proper care, the treated tooth lasts a lifetime. Additionally, we use advanced technology and gentle techniques to make root canals as stress-free as possible. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.