Will Delaying Root Canal Treatment Worsen My Dental Condition?

Q: Will Delaying Root Canal Treatment Worsen My Dental Condition?

Hello： If you are experiencing "unbearable pain," it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. <br>(Typically, if more than 48 hours have passed after treatment and you are still experiencing swelling, pain, and fever despite taking medication, it in

Will the condition worsen during the timeline of root canal treatment?

Hello Doctor: I had an X-ray taken of one of my teeth and found a large dark area at the root.
Pressing on the lower jaw beneath the tooth also causes pain.
The dentist said I need a root canal treatment and asked me to bite down on something and grind a bit to test for pain, which I didn't feel.
When they drilled a hole and placed medication in the tooth, there was only a little pain, but once I got home, the pain in my lower jaw became unbearable.
When I scheduled my next treatment, I changed the original appointment for a cleaning to a root canal (at the time of the cleaning appointment, my tooth showed no issues).
The appointment is in two weeks, but the pain in my lower jaw has been constant, and at times it wakes me up at night.
I would like to ask if waiting for two weeks for treatment will worsen my condition, or since medication has already been placed, should I just take painkillers and not worry? Thank you for your patience in reading this!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/26

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If you are experiencing "unbearable pain," it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
(Typically, if more than 48 hours have passed after treatment and you are still experiencing swelling, pain, and fever despite taking medication, it indicates the presence of an infection.) Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/10/26

More Info

Delaying root canal treatment can indeed worsen your dental condition, and it’s important to understand the potential consequences of postponing necessary dental procedures. When a tooth is infected or has significant decay that has reached the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to a variety of complications if not treated promptly.

Firstly, the presence of infection in the tooth can cause inflammation and pain, as you are already experiencing. This pain can escalate over time, leading to more severe discomfort and potentially affecting your ability to eat or speak comfortably. If the infection spreads beyond the tooth, it can lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth. An abscess can cause swelling, fever, and more intense pain, and it may require more invasive treatment, such as surgical drainage or even tooth extraction.

Moreover, delaying treatment can lead to the death of the tooth's nerve, which might initially reduce pain but can result in further complications. A dead tooth can become brittle and may fracture more easily, leading to the need for extraction. Additionally, if the infection spreads to the surrounding bone, it can cause bone loss, which complicates future dental treatments, including the placement of dental implants if extraction becomes necessary.

While it is true that temporary measures, such as placing medication in the tooth, can provide short-term relief, they are not a substitute for definitive treatment. Relying solely on pain medication to manage discomfort can mask symptoms but does not address the underlying issue. It’s crucial to follow through with the recommended root canal treatment as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of your dental health.

In your case, since you are experiencing significant pain and discomfort, it would be advisable to contact your dentist and discuss the possibility of moving your root canal appointment to an earlier date. If your dentist is unable to accommodate you sooner, consider seeking a second opinion from another dental professional who may be able to provide immediate care.

In summary, delaying root canal treatment can lead to worsening pain, increased risk of infection, potential tooth loss, and complications that may require more extensive and costly procedures in the future. It is always best to address dental issues promptly to maintain your oral health and prevent further complications. If you are experiencing persistent pain, do not hesitate to seek immediate dental care.

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