What Happens If I Delay a Needed Root Canal?

Did your dentist tell you that you needed a root canal? Simply thinking about it can cause a sinking feeling in your stomach. It is entirely understandable to feel hesitant or to wonder if you can put it off for a little while. The pain is not always unbearable, so it is tempting to think it might go away on its own. But here’s the truth: delaying a root canal is a risk you should not take.

You might think the problem is not urgent, but the reality is that postponing this treatment can cause more harm than you realize. From increased pain to potential tooth loss, delaying a root canal is one of the biggest dental gambles.

The Pain Will Not Wait — It Will Escalate

Ignoring the pain is like putting off a warning sign from your body. The infection inside your tooth is worsening, and the longer you wait, the more intense the pain will become. Addressing the issue early means avoiding this misery.

The Infection Will Not Stay Put

The infection in your tooth does not just stay in one place. If you do not seek treatment, it can spread to surrounding tissues, including the gums and even the jawbone. You may start noticing swelling around your tooth, or worse, an abscess may form.

Abscesses are painful, pus-filled pockets that can become serious if left untreated and undrained. An untreated infection can travel deeper, causing more damage and discomfort.

You Are Gambling With the Tooth Itself

If you delay, the infection slowly weakens your tooth’s structure. This damage makes the tooth more fragile, and it may eventually crack or break.

Once your tooth becomes brittle, it might be beyond repair. That is when extraction becomes necessary. Losing a tooth means more dental procedures down the line, such as implants or bridges, which are more complex and costly than a root canal.

Affordable Will Become Costly

By delaying treatment, the infection can spread, necessitating surgery or a prolonged course of antibiotics. You may also need additional visits for emergency care. The longer you wait, the higher the cost and the more uncomfortable the process becomes.

Is the Procedure Itself Really That Painful?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. The root canal procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain. You might feel some pressure, but that is about it. After the treatment, the relief you will feel from the pain you have been dealing with will be immediate and profound.

How Long Can I Actually Wait?

There is no safe answer to this. Every day you delay, the infection gets worse. If you are already experiencing pain or have been advised to get a root canal, waiting is not a good idea. The sooner you get the treatment, the better your outcome will be.

Choosing to get a root canal is not just about the procedure; it is about taking control of your health. It is a decision that will bring you relief in the short term and ultimately bring you peace of mind. If you have concerns, do not hesitate to talk with your dentist.

For more on root canals, visit Vida Family Dental of San Marcos. Our office is in San Marcos, California. Call (760) 471-9292 to schedule an appointment today.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal

https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/