What Are The Consequences Of Delaying A Root Canal?

Did you know that Canadians, on average, spend 13 billion dollars a year on oral health care and almost all preventable diseases?

Caries and other oral problems that were once considered localized infections are now associated with cardiovascular, respiratory, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

If you suffer from frequent teeth problems and think that extraction is the only treatment available, think again.

A root canal may be able to save your tooth and prevent caries.

However, a root canal is slightly less common, unlike an extraction or wisdom teeth removal.

Many people aren’t aware of this procedure and choose to delay treatment.

Here, we explain a root canal and why you shouldn’t delay getting it when your dentist recommends it.

What is a root canal, and why is it necessary?

 
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), a root canal is a surgical procedure to remove infected pulp tissue from a tooth.

After the pulp is removed, the tooth is disinfected, shaped, and filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material.

The opening of the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.

This procedure can save any tooth from further damage or a possible extraction.

The CDA warns that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding a root canal, which can lead to fear and anxiety around the procedure.

People often delay treatment, fearing it might be painful or cause more damage to teeth.

However, delaying treatment can eventually cause more problems.

Consequences of delaying a root canal treatment

• Extreme pain and tooth loss: Many people think root canal treatment is painful. However, with the advancement in modern dentistry, a root canal is a very safe and relatively painless procedure. Root canals help heal infections in the deepest parts of a tooth. If you delay the procedure, your pain and discomfort will worsen over time, and the chances of losing the tooth will increase. It means that if you delay treatment, you are prolonging your pain instead of postponing it.

• Bone loss and abscess: Delaying a root canal can result in tooth infection reaching your jawbones. This can cause bone loss in the jaws and loosen the tooth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Another serious complication of an untreated tooth infection is an acute dental abscess. These are pockets of pus in the tooth’s root that cause unbreakable pain, fever, and swelling. This is a severe condition that requires prompt medical attention.

• Sepsis: When you leave an infected tooth untreated, it can lead to sepsis. This serious complication occurs when the infection passes into the bloodstream and can lead to organ failure. When you delay the root canal, bacteria proliferate in your tooth, reaching your gums, cheek tissues, and the bloodstream. Once there, they can travel to other organs and damage them.

• Systemic Inflammation: The head and neck region has numerous blood vessels and nerves that supply vital organs like the brain. When a tooth infection is left untreated, it can easily pass onto other parts of your body through these blood vessels and cause infections, also called systemic inflammation. It can reach your brain and damage brain tissue, which in severe cases might lead to death. A root canal helps remove the infection quickly and prevents further damage.

Conclusion

 
The best part about a root canal is that it treats tooth infections without requiring extraction.

You will be able to eat, talk, and laugh generally without any discomfort or pain.

The CDA says Canadians have a general misconception that root canals are painful.

When in reality, it is just like getting a cavity filled.

So, if your dentist suggests getting a root canal, do it.

FAQ

 
Is a root canal painful?

When done by a trained dentist, a root canal is generally safe and painless. It is done under anesthesia, and chances are that you won’t feel any pain during treatment. However, you might experience discomfort and swelling around the tooth for a few days after treatment. Your dentist will prescribe pain relievers to manage the discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days.

How long does it take for a root canal-treated tooth to heal?

Generally, a root canal takes one to two weeks to heal completely. It depends on the severity of the infection and the aftercare. Ensure you follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid putting unnecessary strain on the treated tooth.

What is the cost of getting a root canal in Alberta, Canada?

The average cost of getting a root canal in Canada can range from $500 to $800. However, the price might vary based on location, specific tooth requiring treatment, infection severity, and number of root canals required. Consult your dentist for the exact cost in Calgary, Alberta.