Quick Summary
The conditions that make a root canal necessary do not resolve on their own. An untreated infection starts at the tooth's roots and can travel to the jawbone and then to the healthy teeth, putting the whole jawbone at risk. If an infected tooth is ignored long enough it may fall out or need extracting, which brings its own problems with bite alignment and speech.
If root canal treatment has been recommended for you, you’re probably a little nervous. Maybe you’re a LOT nervous, but if you’re thinking about putting off your treatment, don’t. If you need root canal therapy, the underlying conditions that necessitate it will not go away left untreated. In fact, they’ll just get worse and worse over time, causing you more pain and discomfort and potentially leading to more serious complications.
If you don’t treat the infection in your tooth, it will spread. Beginning at your tooth’s roots, it will travel to your jawbone and eventually to your healthy teeth. Your entire jawbone can be put at risk. By treating your infection promptly with root canal therapy, your mouth can be free of infection and you will begin the process of healing.
Serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes have been directly linked to gum disease. During pregnancy, many problems including low birth weight and premature birth can occur as a direct result of infection and bacteria in the mouth. Several types of cancers have all been shown to have a link to poor overall oral health. The mouth is truly the pathway for everything that goes into the body, and if it’s providing a steady stream of bacteria and infection to be spread throughout your body, it’s extremely problematic.
Don’t worry about pain following your procedure. Root canal therapies are meant to relieve pain, not cause it. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel after your mouth is infection-free.
If you ignore your infected tooth for long enough, it may either fall out on its own or need to be extracted. Missing teeth come with a long list of oral issues, including difficulties with bite alignment and speech only corrected with some kind of dental restoration.
Don’t wait to have your root canal treatment. Don’t open yourself up to the myriad of consequences that could result from postponing treatment.
Do you live in Billerica or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the problem go away if I wait?
No. If you need root canal therapy, the underlying conditions that necessitate it will not go away if left untreated. They get worse over time, causing more pain and discomfort and potentially leading to more serious complications.
How far can a tooth infection spread?
Beginning at your tooth's roots, an untreated infection travels to your jawbone and eventually to your healthy teeth. Your entire jawbone can be put at risk.
Will the procedure hurt more than waiting?
Root canal therapies are meant to relieve pain, not cause it. Patients are often surprised at how much better they feel once the mouth is free of infection.
What happens if I lose the tooth instead?
If you ignore an infected tooth for long enough, it may fall out on its own or need to be extracted. Missing teeth bring a list of oral issues, including difficulties with bite alignment and speech, which are only corrected with some kind of dental restoration.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.