Delaying a Root Canal: Implications and Repercussions
A toothache is often a sign of a problem that requires attention, such as a cavity or infection[1]. Delaying a root canal procedure, a treatment that removes the pulp inside a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels[2], can have serious repercussions.
If left untreated, an infection in the pulpy core of a tooth won't get better, it will only get worse[1][2]. The consequences of delaying a root canal treatment include:
- Intensifying pain: Initially intermittent discomfort often becomes constant, severe, and hard to manage with over-the-counter painkillers[1][3].
- Spreading infection: Bacteria may invade nearby bone and gum tissues, leading to abscess formation, swelling, and potential systemic spread through the bloodstream, increasing risks such as fever, cellulitis, and even brain abscesses[1][3][4][5].
- Tooth loss: Prolonged infection damages tooth structure and surrounding bone, making saving the tooth less viable and often resulting in extraction[1][3]. Tooth loss can cause chewing difficulties, shifting of neighboring teeth, bite misalignment, and speech problems[3].
- Bone loss: Infection-related inflammation can cause permanent jawbone deterioration, complicating future restorative options like dental implants[3][4].
- Aesthetic changes: The infected tooth may darken internally, leading to discoloration that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments[1][2].
- Worsened systemic health: Chronic oral infections have been linked to broader health issues, including heart disease and diabetes[1].
Furthermore, incomplete or partial root canal treatments pose the risk of reinfection, abscesses, swelling, and prolonged pain, potentially requiring retreatment[2].
It's essential to address tooth infections promptly to prevent severe complications and preserve the tooth and overall health[4][5]. Sources for this information include the American Dental Association, Animated Teeth, Ask MetaFilter, Mayo Clinic, MedLine Plus, Microdontics, and Noble Dentist. Over-the-counter medications can mask tooth pain but delaying a trip to the dentist is not advisable when there are indications of a problem.
Moreover, there seems to be a statistical relationship between poor oral health and conditions like heart disease and diabetes[1]. Bacteria and infections in the mouth may have a direct relationship to whole body health[6]. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.
[1] American Dental Association. (n.d.). Root canal treatment. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/root-canal-treatment
[2] Animated Teeth. (n.d.). Root canal treatment. Animated Teeth. https://www.animated-teeth.com/root-canal-treatment
[3] Ask MetaFilter. (n.d.). Root canal horror stories. Ask MetaFilter. https://ask.metafilter.com/135215/Root-canal-horror-stories
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Root canal: What you need to know. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/root-canal/about/pac-20394735
[5] MedLine Plus. (2021). Root canal. MedLine Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002887.htm
[6] Microdontics. (n.d.). Link between oral health and systemic health. Microdontics. https://www.microdontics.com/blog/link-between-oral-health-and-systemic-health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and wellness, as it has been shown to have a relationship with conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, delaying a root canal treatment, which is essential for addressing tooth infections, can lead to serious health complications such as spreading infection, tooth loss, bone loss, and worsened systemic health.
