Have you been ignoring that aching toothache, hoping it will just go away? You’re not the only one! Many patients shy away from dental work, such as root canals, due to fear or lack of understanding. Delaying a root canal can result in severe oral issues and complications down the line. Here in this blog, the best dental clinic in Nagpur explains the major impact of delaying a root canal and how immediate action is necessary for your oral well-being.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure done to eliminate an infection or trauma in a tooth. Through the process, the infected pulp is removed, cleans out the chamber inside, and closes the tooth so that nothing else will happen. Contrary to its worst reputation, a root canal is a relatively painless and very successful treatment that saves your tooth instead of having to extract it.
Why Do People Delay Root Canals?
People delay root canals because:
- Fear of Pain: Most believe the treatment will be painful (although current methods make it very comfortable).
- Concern over Expenses: Some are worried about money, unaware that delayed treatment is more costly in the future.
- Busy Schedule: Postponing dental visits with a busy schedule.
- Dental Fear: Intimidation of dental instruments or the procedure itself.
But delaying a root canal has far-reaching consequences that go far beyond your oral health. Let us elaborate on the top 5 consequences in detail.
Top 5 Consequences of Delaying a Root Canal
- Severe Pain and Discomfort
When you delay a root canal, the infection in your tooth becomes severe, and you have severe pain. The pulp of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels becomes infected and results in ongoing discomfort. The pain can:
- Extend to your head, ear, or jaw, making daily activities difficult.
- Become throbbing and nagging, especially at night.
- Be amplified by cold or hot food, becoming sensitive.
The best dentist in Nagpur points out that treatment of the infection early on through a root canal not only prevents pain but also saves your natural tooth.
- Spread of Infection to Other Areas
One of the worst side effects of delaying a root canal is the infection spreading. If the infection spreads beyond the root of the tooth, it can lead to:
- Dental Abscess: A pocket of infected pus that forms at the root of the tooth.
- Bone Loss: Infection can destroy the jawbone that supports the tooth.
- Cellulitis: Bacterial infection of the skin that can spread to the face and neck.
In advanced cases, the infection may even reach the bloodstream, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as sepsis. Treating the infection early with a root canal avoids the spread of the infection and ensures your overall well-being.
- More Expensive and Complicated Dental Procedures
Waiting for a root canal will usually mean higher-cost procedures in the future. If the tooth is too badly damaged to be saved, you might require:
- Tooth Extraction: Having the tooth pulled.
- Dental Bridges or Implants: High-cost procedures to restore the missing tooth.
- Bone Grafts: To replace lost jawbone as a result of the infection.
Your Nagpur best dentist advises that early root canal treatment is much cheaper and more invasive than these new techniques. Spending initially on care will cost you money as well as discomfort.
- Tooth Loss and Compromised Oral Framework
Procrastination in obtaining a root canal can lead to tooth death, wherein the tooth cannot be saved and must be removed. Tooth loss has several consequences:
- Shifting of Surrounding Teeth: Spaces can move surrounding teeth, which may disrupt your bite.
- Chewing Difficulty: Missing teeth can make chewing comfortably challenging.
- Bone Loss in Jaw: The bone that supports the tooth may resorb due to lack of proper stimulation through chewing.
Tooth loss also affects your smile and confidence. The top dentist in Nagpur points out that a root canal saves your tooth, your smile, and your dental function.
- Overall Health Impact
Your oral health goes hand-in-hand with your overall health. Leaving a tooth infection untreated can lead to:
- Heart Disease: Researchers have shown that oral infections contribute to increased chances of heart trouble.
- Diabetes Complications: Infection leads to it becoming harder to regulate blood sugar.
- Sinus Infections: Infection of upper molars travels to sinus cavities.
The best dentist in Nagpur reiterates that early treatment of dental infection by a root canal prevents such grave health conditions.
Avoiding the Need for a Root Canal
Root canals can cure infections, but prevention is always ideal. Here are tips to keep your dental health in check:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings regularly.
- Stay away from sugary foods that can lead to tooth decay.
- Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
The consequences of delaying a root canal are dire, but the most wonderful news is that they can be entirely prevented. With the latest dental technology, root canal treatments are comfortable, simple, and highly effective. If you are in distress or are hypersensitive, do not delay! Getting treated quickly by the finest dentist in Nagpur can save your teeth and protect your well-being.
Don’t forget: A stitch in time saves nine — and a root canal on time saves your smile!???
