It has been several months since your dentist informed you that you need a root canal. While you may not seem bothered by the decayed tooth that needs treatment, the reality is that putting off the procedure will only cause the situation to worsen. Others may tell you that there’s no need to rush it, but your choice to delay essential care may find you spending more time and money at the dentist’s office than you originally planned. Read on to learn why it’s in your best interest to undergo root canal treatment sooner rather than later.
The Infection Might Spread
While the infection might currently exist within the innermost layer – the pulp – it will likely spread to the root and into your bloodstream if you choose to neglect treatment.
Even if you try to take antibiotics, it will not eliminate the infection. Instead, it will only help to improve it. When it comes to infected pulp, it must be removed to avoid causing further damage to your tooth, jawbone, and body.
If you allow the infection to reach your bloodstream, it can, in rare cases, become life-threatening, even entering your vital organs.
Nearby Teeth May Be Affected
When a tooth infection is not treated in a timely manner, it can spread to other healthy teeth and cause problems. This can cause a domino effect to occur, resulting in costlier treatment to try and stop the spread before it goes any further.
If left untreated, you may risk losing one or more teeth, which will only lead to additional time and money being spent replacing them. Although prosthetic teeth are much more natural in appearance and offer greater function these days as opposed to those created decades ago, they still require maintenance, and some even need to be replaced after several years.
You May Lose Valuable Benefits
Although not as serious as the two previously mentioned risks, choosing to forgo root canal treatment may cause you to lose your hard-earned dollars at the end of the year. If you are enrolled in a dental insurance plan, and your benefits extend a full calendar year, you only have so much time to use them before they expire.
If you’re recommended for a root canal, and you’ve already met your deductible, there is a good chance that your insurance company will pay more for the procedure, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket.
Dealing with severe decay or damage is not something you should put on the back burner. Instead of putting it off and “dealing with it later,” go ahead and take care of it now so that you don’t experience more severe consequences in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell earned her dental doctorate from the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. As a trusted dentist in the Salem area, she works to provide comfortable and high-quality care to all her patients. Those experiencing pain because of an infected or damaged tooth can undergo safe and effective root canal treatment in-house. If you want to do something about your smile before it worsens, visit her website or call 971-273-5910.