Many people are hesitant to commit to root canals because they are afraid that the process will be too painful. The truth is that modern root canals are rendered completely painless by anesthetics and they can quickly eliminate an agonizing toothache. However, the consequences of neglecting to receive this treatment when necessary can be quite grisly indeed. Here’s a brief guide to what happens if you forgo a needed root canal and why this procedure is nothing to be afraid of.
Why Are Root Canals Necessary?
Tooth decay begins as a pre-cavity spot on the enamel that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. After a cavity develops, however, the infection will only get worse without treatment and can only be resolved through the intervention of an endodontist. Once a cavity forms, the bacteria causing it begin penetrating the enamel and dentin layers of your tooth, and addressing the infection will probably require a dental filling.
However, an untreated cavity will eventually allow the bacteria to breach the outer layers of the tooth and infect the soft pulp tissue at its center. At this point, the patient will develop an agonizing toothache, and the tooth will be lost if it does not receive an appropriate treatment. The infection may even spread to the other teeth or possibly to other parts of the body. A root canal is typically the best way to prevent or resolve this issue in a severely decayed tooth.
What If I Skip My Root Canal?
Forgoing a needed root canal will allow the infection to gradually worsen, and the tooth will eventually be lost. However, you may find that your agonizing toothache seems to go away after some time before this happens. While this might seem like the problem has resolved itself, it is far more likely that it has only gotten worse. The disappearance of a throbbing toothache usually means that the infection has killed the nerve in the pulp, which will prevent the tooth from sending pain signals to the brain. In this case, tooth loss will still be inevitable without treatment.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
To perform a root canal, your endodontist will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain. Then, they will remove the decayed tissue from the tooth and extract the infected pulp from its inner chamber. They will then sanitize the tooth, fill it, and seal it to prevent further infection. You may also receive a root canal to restore your tooth’s lost structure and ability to function properly.
Skipping a necessary root canal can lead to serious consequences. While you may experience some mild and temporary soreness after the procedure, it will be far preferable to the miserable pain that comes with an untreated toothache.
About the Practice
Endodontic Group of Jersey City offers effective dental surgical services and emergency dentistry. Led by Drs. Nassim Kohly, Ali Forghani, Ramin Rahmani, and Alex Choi, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and old-fashioned customer service. Areas of expertise include root canals, endodontic retreatment, apicoectomies, and endodontic microsurgery. To learn more about the root canal process, contact the practice online or dial (201) 484-5404.