What Happens If You Don't Get a Root Canal?

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?
what happens if you skip the root canal

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?

A tooth infection can begin small, but if left untreated, it can become serious. It can spread to nearby tissues and even affect your general health.

Some of us delay treatment because of our nervousness about dental work or in the hope that the pain might go away, but avoiding it can result in long-term issues; that’s why root canal therapy in Etobicoke is necessary.

Root canal removes the infection, saves the tooth, and avoids further damage. It is necessary to know what would happen if we missed or postponed a root canal treatment, as it can help you make an informed decision.

What Happens If You Ignore a Root Canal?

A root canal is required if the pulp within your tooth is infected, as this pulp has nerves and blood vessels, and once it is damaged, it can’t heal on its own.

If left untreated, the infection can move into the gums, jaw, and even other areas of the body, which we call an untreated root canal infection.

At first, you may feel pain or sensitivity. But if the pain stops suddenly, that doesn’t mean the problem is gone; it often means the nerve has died, and the infection is quietly getting worse.

Can a Tooth Survive Without a Root Canal?

Many of us ask questions like, Can a tooth survive without a root canal? Technically, it remains in your mouth for a while, but it’s no longer alive or healthy. Over time, the tooth becomes weaker and more likely to break.

Infection will keep spreading under the surface, which can lead to bone loss or a dental abscess. Eventually, the tooth may need to be removed entirely.

In that case, you may need a dental implant or bridge to replace it, both of which cost more and involve longer treatment. Consult a dentist in Etobicoke before making a decision.

What Are the Risks of Delaying a Root Canal?

There are several delayed root canal treatment risks to consider:

  • Severe Pain: As the infection grows, the pain may return, often worse than before.
  • Tooth Loss: Waiting too long may make the tooth impossible to save.
  • Jaw Damage: Infection can eat away at the jawbone supporting your tooth.
  • Spread of Infection: It could spread to the face, neck, or bloodstream, leading to serious complications.
  • More Expensive Treatment: A simple root canal might turn into an extraction, bone graft, and implant.

The longer you wait, the more damage it causes and the harder it becomes to fix.

How Long Can You Wait for a Root Canal?

It depends on how advanced the infection is. If you’re in pain, don’t wait more than a few days. Pain, swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth are signs that the infection is active.

Even if the pain fades, that’s not a sign of healing. It’s often a sign that the nerve is dead, but the infection is still present. Waiting weeks or months can make things worse.

What Happens to Your Tooth After a Root Canal?

You might be wondering, what happens to your tooth after root canal? Here’s what to expect:

  • Cleaning and Filling: The dentist removes the infected pulp and cleans inside the tooth.
  • Sealing: The tooth is sealed to stop bacteria from getting back in.
  • Crown Placement: Often, a crown is added on top to protect the tooth and restore its shape.

Afterward, the tooth no longer has nerves, so it won’t feel pain. But it can still function like a normal tooth if you take care of it.

Who Should You Trust for Treatment?

If you’re looking for the right care, choose an experienced Etobicoke dentist who offers advanced tools and a comfortable setting, as they can diagnose the problem clearly and explain your options. Early treatment can prevent bigger problems down the road.

What Happens Based on Treatment Timing

Situation Result
Immediate Root Canal Tooth saved, infection removed, no complications
Delayed Root Canal Risk of tooth loss, increased infection
No Treatment Severe pain, possible tooth and bone loss, health risks

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring a tooth infection is like ignoring a ticking clock. It may not hurt every second, but it’s moving toward something worse. Getting a root canal in time means you avoid bigger health problems, higher costs, and permanent tooth loss.

Modern root canals are safe, quick, and far less painful than people expect. With the help of a caring dentist and the right tools, you can save your natural smile without fear.

Final Thoughts

Taking action now can protect your smile, prevent health complications, and avoid major dental costs later. The risks of waiting are never worth it.

Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late

Call today to schedule your consultation with Kailash Dentistry. Let our expert team help you keep your smile healthy and strong before things get worse.