Why You Shouldn’t Delay a Root Canal: The Risks of Waiting Too Long
by Dr. Aja
23 June 2025
A root canal is a dental procedure that many people dread. However, it’s often necessary to save a tooth that has become infected or badly decayed. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in a tooth, you might find yourself wondering, “Do I really need a root canal?” The answer is usually yes. This is especially if you are experiencing specific symptoms.
Here we will discuss the risks of delaying a root canal, what happens if you wait too long, and why it is crucial to seek treatment sooner to avoid persistent pain after delaying root canal.
How Long Can You Wait for a Root Canal?
If you're asking yourself, “How long can you wait for a root canal?”, the answer is: not long at all. Once you start experiencing symptoms like severe pain or swelling, it is important to seek treatment immediately. While some people may try to manage their symptoms for a few days or even weeks, delaying treatment can lead to more severe consequences.
There is no definitive timeframe for how long you can wait, as it varies depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. However, if you're experiencing persistent pain, it's best to consult with your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can often help save your tooth and minimize the risk of complications.
Risks Of Delaying Root Canal: What Happens If You Delay a Root Canal?
Delaying a root canal can lead to a series of complications that can worsen over time. Here are some key points to consider.
1. Increased Pain and Discomfort
One of the most immediate consequences of delaying treatment is increased pain. Initially, the pain may be mild and manageable, but it can quickly escalate into severe discomfort. As the infection spreads, many people find themselves unable to eat, sleep, or concentrate on daily activities.
2. Risk of Tooth Loss
One of the primary reasons to get a root canal is to avoid tooth loss and infection. If you delay treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to bone loss or abscess formation. An abscess is a pocket of pus that can form at the root of the tooth, and in severe cases.
Then the only solution may be tooth extraction. Losing a tooth can significantly impact your oral health. This is making it harder to chew and affecting your overall smile.
3. Development of Abscesses
An untreated infection can lead to the formation of an abscess, which can be extremely painful and may require surgical intervention. An abscess can also introduce bacteria into your bloodstream, potentially leading to more serious health issues. The longer you wait to treat the infection, the higher the risk of an abscess developing.
4. Serious Dental Complications
Delaying a root canal can result in serious dental complications. The longer the infection is left untreated, the more complicated the situation can become. This may lead to the need for more extensive procedures, such as surgical extraction or bone grafting. It can be both costly and time-consuming.
5. Impact on Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Chronic infections in the mouth can contribute to systemic issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Ignoring dental problems can have far-reaching effects beyond just your teeth.
What to Expect During a Root Canal?
If you are nervous about the procedure, understanding what to expect can help ease your concerns. Here is a brief overview of the root canal process.
- Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection.
- Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
- The dentist will create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- The infected pulp will be removed, and the inner chambers of the tooth will be cleaned and shaped.
- After cleaning, the dentist will fill the space with a material called gutta-percha to seal it and prevent further infection.
- In most cases, a crown or filling will be placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Most people are concerned about root canal complications. The process can be completed in one or two visits. However, many patients report feeling immediate relief after treatment.
Reasons to Get a Root Canal
Now that we’ve discussed the risks of delaying treatment, let’s look at some compelling reasons to consider getting a root canal as soon as possible.
1. Avoid Tooth Loss and Infection
The most critical reason to get a root canal is to avoid tooth loss and infection. By addressing the infection early, you can save your natural tooth and maintain its function in your mouth. This is vital for chewing, speaking, and maintaining the alignment of your other teeth.
2. Prevent Serious Dental Complications
Getting a root canal can help you prevent serious dental complications. Treating the infection early reduces the risk of needing more invasive procedures later on, such as extractions or implants. This can save you both time and money, making it a wise decision to seek treatment promptly.
3. Restore Normal Function
After a successful root canal, most patients can return to their normal activities nearly immediately. The procedure is designed to alleviate pain and restore function to the tooth, allowing you to eat, chew, and speak without discomfort. This can significantly improve your quality of life.
4. Improve Oral Health
By treating an infected tooth, you help improve your overall oral health. Keeping your natural teeth is crucial not only for chewing but also for preventing misalignment of other teeth. Healthy teeth support each other, and losing one can start the problems.
5. Peace of Mind
Addressing the problem promptly can provide peace of mind. Living with ongoing dental pain and uncertainty can be stressful and distracting. Knowing that you’ve taken action to solve the issue can relieve anxiety and help you focus on other important aspects of your life.
“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.’
– Mother Theresa”
Pain After Delaying a Root Canal
If you choose to delay a root canal, you may experience increasing pain after delaying root canal treatment. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain that makes it difficult to eat or sleep. This pain can also become more frequent and intense, impacting your daily life and activities.
If you find yourself in this situation, remember that the longer you wait, the worse the pain might become. It is essential to communicate openly with your dentist about any changes in your symptoms. So, they can provide the best possible care.
Final Thoughts
There are serious consequences of avoiding root canal. Delaying a root canal can lead to a host of serious problems, including pain, tooth loss, and complications that require more extensive treatment. If you are experiencing any signs of infection, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist. It is always better to act quicker to improve your chances of saving your tooth and maintaining your overall dental health.
Contact your Dentist today, Dr. Aja at One Dental SF, learn more about Why You Shouldn’t delay a Root Canal and The Risks of Waiting Too Long.
Resource:
The Impact of Advanced Dental Technology on Cosmetic Dentistry Outcomes
Disclaimer
*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition. *