What Happens if I Back Out From a Root Canal?

People don’t get intimidated when they’re told they have a tooth infection, but they can feel immense fear when their dentist in Boca Raton says they need a root canal.  

Despite the amount of relevant and useful information accessible online, many still choose to believe in myths and misconceptions surrounding root canal therapy, causing them to put off visiting their dentist.  

Most secretly hope that the symptoms will go away on their own or that home remedies will help. Unfortunately, they won’t, and if you don’t get treated, the infection could get worse.  

What Happens If I Skip Root Canal Therapy?

What Is Root Canal Therapy? 

Root canal treatment is recommended for patients with a badly infected or decayed tooth. It is used to repair or save your tooth instead of extracting it. The infection usually starts with a crack or chip in your tooth or a cavity allowing bacteria to enter your tooth’s chamber and infect the pulp inside. Sometimes it can also occur because of facial trauma.  

In a root canal procedure, your dentist will scrape off the infected pulp. Next, the now empty chamber is carefully disinfected to ensure that all decayed tissues are removed.  

Then, your dentist will fill the area with gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a substance extracted from a percha tree locally grown in Malaysia. Lastly, the tooth is sealed to preserve its structure and strength.  

According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 25 million root canals are performed each year. It’s a straightforward procedure that can save your tooth. Despite the benefits, many people fear root canal therapy because they imagine it will be painful. 

What Happens if You Don’t Get an Infected Pulp Removed? 

A damaged dental pulp will eventually break down, causing bacteria to proliferate within the chamber. When bacteria start multiplying, it will result in a tooth abscess. An abscess is a pocket filled with pus that forms at the tip of the tooth roots causing swelling to your neck, face, and head. It can also lead to bone loss.  

An untreated dental abscess can cause life-threatening health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and sepsis. Therefore, the next time your dentist recommends root canal therapy, you should consider it.  

What Are the Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy? 

Not everyone is required to undergo a root canal, but if you exhibit the following symptoms, your dentist will likely suggest the procedure:  

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures 
• Sharp pain when you bite or chew 
• A crack or a chip in your tooth 
• A pimple on your gums 
• Darkened and decayed gums 
• Painful and swollen gums 

See a Dentist in Boca Raton for an Assessment

Lack of information can create emotional distress and increased anxiety causing people to delay or ignore treatment. Sadly, without treatment, there will be consequences. If you allow fear to get the best of you, you will put your life on the line.  

At 5th Avenue Dental, we make sure you understand your condition. Our knowledgeable staff will explain the treatment, the benefits, the risks, and what you can expect from it. We believe educating our patients is key to promoting good oral health. We offer a wide range of restorative dental treatments to maintain and improve oral health.  Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.