Hearing that you need a root canal can feel intimidating, and it’s natural to wonder if you can put it off or skip the procedure altogether. However, a root canal isn’t just about relieving pain—it’s about saving your tooth and protecting your overall health. Choosing not to get one when it’s needed can lead to serious consequences. Let’s look at what really happens if you don’t get a root canal.
The Purpose of a Root Canal
A root canal is recommended when the pulp inside your tooth—the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels—becomes infected or severely damaged. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma to the tooth. The procedure cleans out the infection, seals the tooth, and preserves its structure. Without treatment, the infection doesn’t go away on its own—it continues to spread.
Increasing Tooth Pain
At first, you might only notice occasional sensitivity or mild discomfort. Over time, the pain usually becomes more severe, especially when eating or drinking. The infection inside the tooth creates pressure, which can result in throbbing, sharp, or radiating pain. Pain may even interrupt your sleep and affect your daily life.
Abscess Formation
One of the biggest risks of avoiding a root canal is the development of a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the root of your tooth and cause:
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw.
- Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
- Severe, constant pain.
If untreated, the abscess can spread beyond the tooth and affect nearby tissues.
Tooth Loss
An infected tooth won’t heal on its own. Eventually, the infection can destroy the supporting bone structure, causing the tooth to loosen. Extraction may become the only option. While missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, bridges, or dentures, nothing is as good as saving your natural tooth when possible.
Spread of Infection
Perhaps the most serious consequence of skipping a root canal is the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. In rare but dangerous cases, untreated dental infections can enter the bloodstream and affect your heart, brain, or other organs. This can lead to severe medical complications that go far beyond your oral health.
Not getting a root canal when it’s needed doesn’t make the problem go away—it only makes it worse. From worsening pain and abscesses to tooth loss and potentially serious health risks, delaying treatment can create bigger challenges down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Bishop is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. After earing her dental degree, she attended an endodontic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Bishop has continued her education and training throughout the years and stays current in her field through memberships with the American Dental Association and the Alabama Dental Association. If you’re in need of root canal treatment to save a damaged tooth, trust Dr. Bishop and our team of experts to give you the very best care available. Schedule an appointment online or call our Huntsville office at (256) 882-5161.