When you hear the words “root canal,” it’s easy to feel a bit nervous. Many people put off the procedure because they hope the pain will disappear on its own. But delaying treatment can create much bigger, and more expensive, problems later. At Brinkley Dental Group, we see this situation far too often, and the outcome is rarely in the patient’s favour.
Here’s what really happens when a root canal is delayed and why taking action early can save your smile, your comfort, and your wallet.
Pain Doesn’t Just Go Away: It Gets Worse
A tooth that needs a root canal is usually infected or severely inflamed. At first, you may feel mild discomfort, but over time, that pain can become sharper, more frequent, and harder to ignore.
Many patients notice:
- Throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting
- Swelling around the tooth
Delaying treatment means the infection continues to grow, leading to more intense pain that can affect your daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.
The Infection Spreads Beyond the Tooth
An untreated tooth infection doesn’t stay in one place. Bacteria can spread to the gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. In more serious cases, it can even impact your overall health.
This can lead to:
- A dental abscess
- Bone loss around the tooth
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever or general illness
Once the infection spreads, the treatment becomes more complicated, and recovery takes longer.
You May Lose the Tooth Completely
One of the most significant risks of delaying treatment is losing the tooth. A root canal is designed to save the natural tooth by removing the infection and sealing it. But when the infection becomes too advanced, extraction may be the only option.
Losing a tooth also brings new challenges:
- Difficulty chewing
- Shifting of nearby teeth
- The need for a replacement, like an implant or bridge
Tooth replacements are possible, but they’re more complex and costlier than root canal therapy.
The Longer You Wait, the Higher the Cost
A root canal performed early is straightforward and far less expensive than the treatments needed for advanced infections.
When delayed, patients may require:
- Emergency dental visits
- Antibiotics
- Tooth extraction
- Dental implants or bridges
- Additional follow-up procedures
What could have been a simple appointment can become multiple visits and significantly higher costs.
Your Overall Health May Be Affected
Your mouth is closely connected to your overall health. An untreated dental infection can contribute to systemic inflammation and, in rare cases, spread to the bloodstream.
Ignoring a root canal can increase your risk of:
- Sinus infections
- Jawbone damage
- Severe systemic infections
Prompt treatment helps protect not only your tooth but also your overall health.
A Root Canal Is More Comfortable Than You Think
Many people delay treatment because they’re afraid it will be painful. But with modern dental techniques, a root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. Numbing, gentle care, and improved tools make the procedure smooth and manageable.
In fact, most patients feel immediate relief afterward because the source of the pain, the infection, is finally removed.
Don’t Wait for the Pain to Take Over
If your tooth hurts or you’ve been told you need a root canal, taking action now is the best thing you can do. Early treatment saves you discomfort, protects your natural tooth, and prevents costly complications.
Our team at Brinkley Dental Group is here to help you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. If you’re dealing with tooth pain or have concerns about treatment, contact us today for friendly support and care.
