You Shouldn't Delay a Recommended Root Canal: Here's Why

If you’ve recently learned you need a root canal, you might be feeling a range of emotions — fear, anxiety, or even disbelief. It’s tempting to put it off, thinking it’s not urgent or that the discomfort will eventually go away, but delaying a recommended root canal can lead to bigger issues later.

At Emery & Scuro DMD, PC in Rochester, New York, our compassionate team led by Carol Scuro, DMD, Bradford Emery, DMD, and Nicholas Emery, DDS, has years of experience providing root canal therapy. In this month’s blog, they explain why you shouldn’t put off the restorative treatment.

Understanding the need for a root canal

When the innermost part of your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and lead to more complications. The infection stems from various sources, such as deep cavities, cracks, or trauma to the tooth. During root canal treatment, your provider here at Emery & Scuro DMD, PC removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of your tooth, and seals it to prevent future issues.

The risks of delaying treatment

Here are five problems that can occur if you postpone root canal therapy:

1. Increased pain: An immediate consequence of delaying a root canal is that the pain can quickly get worse. At first, you might only feel mild discomfort, but as the infection spreads, the pain can become too much to bear.
2. Potential for tooth loss: If you wait too long, the infection can spread beyond the root of your tooth, leading to more severe damage, which can result in the loss of the tooth entirely. A root canal can save your tooth, but left untreated, the tooth’s integrity is compromised and may need to be extracted.
3. Increased need for complex treatment: The longer you wait, the more complicated the treatment may become. An untreated infection can lead to abscesses, which may require additional complex and costly procedures.
4. Impact on nearby teeth: An untreated tooth infection can affect your neighboring teeth. Bacteria can spread, leading to further decay and potential issues with those teeth. This could mean more dental work down the line, compounding the problems you’re facing.
5. Overall health risks: Dental infections can impact your overall health, potentially leading to systemic issues. Bacteria from the infected tooth can enter your bloodstream, which could affect your heart and other organs.

A tooth infection won’t resolve on its own, and a root canal is the go-to method for eliminating the problem. If you’re anxious about the procedure, it may help to know what to expect.

What to expect from the procedure

When you’re ready to move forward with the root canal, you can expect a straightforward process. Our team typically performs the procedure under local anesthesia, ensuring you’re relaxed and comfortable. We’ll carefully remove the infected pulp, clean the tooth, and seal it to prevent future infections.

After the root canal, you’ll feel immediate relief from the pain. To keep your tooth strong, you may need a follow-up visit to place a crown.

Don’t wait

Delaying a root canal can have significant consequences to your overall dental health. Your smile deserves the best care, and addressing issues like an infected tooth as soon as possible is necessary to prevent severe complications.

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Schedule your appointment today, and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile! Call now or request an appointment online.