Root Canal Treatment | What Happens If You Delay Root Canal Therapy?

 

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed at the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection. Root canals are usually performed by dentists or endodontists, who are specialists in treating the inside of the tooth.

 

There are several signs that may indicate that a person needs a root canal. These can include:

1. Severe toothache or pain when biting or chewing
2. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed
3. Tenderness or swelling of the gums near the painful tooth
4. Darkening of the tooth
5. A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the painful tooth
6. Pain when you press on the tooth
7. Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and determine if a root canal is the best course of treatment for you. It's worth noting that some people may not experience any symptoms at all and the dentist or endodontist may discover the problem during routine examination.

 

What Happens if You Delay Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that is used to treat infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). This procedure can save a damaged or infected tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, and is typically recommended when a tooth is in danger of dying or has died due to infection or injury.

However, some patients may delay or avoid root canal therapy due to fear, cost, or lack of understanding of the procedure. Unfortunately, delaying or avoiding root canal therapy can lead to several serious complications, including the following:

1. Spread of infection: If a tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread to the surrounding tissues and even to other parts of the body. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even abscesses. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the jawbone, sinuses, or even the brain, which can be life-threatening.
2. Loss of the tooth: If a tooth is allowed to die, it will eventually fall out or need to be extracted. This can lead to problems with chewing and speaking, and may also cause other teeth to shift out of place. Additionally, the gap left by a missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to become overloaded, which can lead to further dental
   
   
   problems.
3. Development of cavities: If a tooth is infected, it can become weak and brittle. This can lead to the development of cavities, which can further weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to breaking or chipping.
4. Need for additional treatment: If a tooth is not treated promptly, it may require additional procedures such as a crown, bridge or implant to restore the function and aesthetics of the tooth. These procedures are usually more costly and time-consuming than a root canal.
5. Pain and discomfort: The most obvious side effect of delaying root canal therapy is pain. An infected tooth can cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when biting or chewing. This pain can make it difficult to eat, sleep, and even speak.

Advantage of root canal to the point

The main advantage of a root canal is that it can save a damaged or infected tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. By removing the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth, the procedure can eliminate pain and prevent further infection, which can help to preserve the tooth and the patient's overall oral health. Additionally, a root canal can help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or to other areas of the body. Root canal also prevent the need of a bridge or implant which are costly and time consuming, preserve the natural tooth and improve the overall aesthetic of the smile.

 

What are the steps on root canal treatment:

The steps of a root canal treatment typically include the following:

Initial examination: The dentist or endodontist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or inflammation. They will also discuss the procedure with the patient and answer any questions they may have.

1. Local anaesthesia: The tooth and surrounding area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

2. Isolation: The tooth is then isolated with a dental dam to keep it clean and dry during the procedure.

3. Access: A small hole is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.

4. Cleaning: The infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals using small instruments called files. The canals are then cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining debris and bacteria.

5. Shaping: The canals are then shaped to allow for proper filling.

6. Filling: The canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed with a cement-like material called sealer.

7. Restoration: A temporary filling is placed in the tooth to protect it until a permanent restoration (such as a crown or filling) can be placed.

8. Follow-up: The patient will need to return for a follow-up visit to have the temporary filling removed and a permanent restoration placed. The dentist will also check the tooth to ensure that it is healing properly.

 

In conclusion, root canal therapy is an important procedure that can save a damaged or infected tooth. However, delaying or avoiding the procedure can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection, loss of the tooth, development of cavities, need for additional treatment, and pain and discomfort. If you suspect that you may need a root canal, it is important to see a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible to receive the proper treatment.