Is Delaying Root Canal Treatment Dangerous for Your Dental Health? - Dentistry

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Will not performing a root canal become increasingly severe?


Hello Dr.
Tsao,
A few days ago, I started experiencing tooth pain.
I thought it was due to a cavity, so I went to see a doctor.
However, the doctor said that those cavities had been filled a long time ago, and the pain might be due to the previous cavities being too large and affecting the nerves.
He mentioned two options for dealing with the pain: one is root canal treatment, and the other is to endure it.

For the past several nights, the pain has woken me up, but I have been able to tolerate it.
I would like to know if enduring the pain for an extended period could lead to more difficult treatment in the future, or if it won't have any impact.

Additionally, I would like to ask if root canal treatment is very painful.
How long does it usually take for one tooth? When the pain occurs, I can't pinpoint which tooth is hurting; it feels like the entire upper and lower right side is in pain.
If the doctor is unsure which tooth is causing the pain, can multiple root canals be performed at once? What happens if a normal nerve is removed during the procedure?

Ya Tong De Ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/16

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry


Pain so severe that it prevents sleep is often related to nerve inflammation.
Consider undergoing a nerve block.
After anesthesia, the procedure should be painless, and the duration will depend on the complexity of the case.

Reply Date: 2009/04/16

More Info


Delaying root canal treatment can indeed pose significant risks to your dental health. When a tooth is damaged, whether due to decay or trauma, the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) can become inflamed or infected. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe pain, abscess formation, and even tooth loss.


Risks of Delaying Treatment
1. Infection Spread: The primary concern with delaying root canal treatment is the potential for the infection to spread beyond the tooth. An untreated infection can lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that can form at the root of the tooth. This can cause swelling, pain, and even systemic issues if bacteria enter the bloodstream.

2. Bone Loss: Chronic infection can lead to bone loss around the tooth root. This can complicate future dental treatments, including the placement of implants if the tooth needs to be extracted.

3. Increased Pain and Discomfort: As the infection progresses, you may experience increased pain and discomfort. This can affect your quality of life and may lead to the need for more complex treatments.

4. Potential for Tooth Loss: If the infection is severe and left untreated for too long, the tooth may become non-restorable, necessitating extraction. This can lead to further complications, such as shifting of adjacent teeth and changes in bite alignment.


Treatment Considerations
Regarding your question about the pain associated with root canal treatment, it is important to note that modern dentistry has made significant advancements in pain management. Most patients report that the procedure is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Dentists typically use local anesthesia to numb the area, and the procedure itself usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

If you are experiencing pain in multiple teeth, it is crucial to identify the specific tooth causing the discomfort. While it is possible to perform root canals on multiple teeth in one visit, it is generally more effective to treat one tooth at a time to ensure thorough cleaning and sealing of the root canals.


What Happens When Nerves Are Removed?
When the nerve of a tooth is removed during a root canal, the tooth can still function normally. The tooth may become slightly more brittle over time, as it no longer receives nutrients from the nerve and blood supply. However, with proper restoration (such as a crown), the tooth can remain functional for many years.


Conclusion
In summary, delaying root canal treatment can lead to more severe dental issues, including pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. It is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications. If you are concerned about the pain associated with the procedure, discuss your fears with your dentist, who can provide reassurance and pain management options. Remember, addressing dental issues promptly can save you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.

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