What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal?

When a dentist recommends a root canal, it’s usually because the inner pulp of a tooth has become infected or severely inflamed. Many people hesitate to move forward with treatment, especially if pain comes and goes. But delaying or avoiding a needed root canal can lead to serious oral health consequences. Understanding what happens if you don’t get a root canal can help you make an informed decision.

The Infection Doesn’t Go Away on Its Own

A root canal is necessary when bacteria have reached the pulp inside the tooth. Once infected, this tissue cannot heal by itself. Without treatment, bacteria continue to multiply, spreading deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues. Even if pain temporarily subsides, the infection remains active and can worsen silently.

Increasing Pain and Swelling

As the infection progresses, pressure builds inside the tooth and jawbone, often leading to severe, persistent pain. Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw may occur, and you may notice a pimple-like bump on the gums caused by an abscess. At this stage, discomfort can interfere with eating, sleeping, and daily activities.

Risk of Abscess and Bone Damage

Untreated infections can lead to a dental abscess, a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth. Abscesses are not only painful but dangerous, as they can damage surrounding bone and tissue. Over time, bone loss around the tooth can become significant, making it impossible to save the tooth later.

Tooth Loss and More Complex Treatment

Without a root canal, the affected tooth will eventually need to be extracted. Tooth loss can trigger a chain reaction—neighboring teeth may shift, your bite may change, and chewing may become less efficient. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture is often more expensive and time-consuming than saving the natural tooth.

Potential Health Complications

In rare but serious cases, dental infections can spread beyond the mouth to other parts of the body, including the jaw, sinuses, or bloodstream. This can lead to systemic health issues that require emergency medical care.

Root Canals Relieve Pain, Not Cause It

Modern root canal treatment is designed to eliminate infection and relieve discomfort, not cause it. Thanks to advanced techniques and anesthesia, most patients find the procedure comparable to getting a filling.

If you don’t get a root canal when it’s needed, the problem won’t resolve on its own and the consequences can be severe. Timely treatment can save your tooth, relieve pain, and protect your overall health. If your dentist recommends a root canal, acting sooner rather than later is often the safest and most cost-effective choice.

About the Author

Dr. Tyler Schaffeld has more than 10 years of experience in the dental field. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Oregon Health and Science University, graduating with honors and second in his class. Today, Dr. Schaffeld stays current in his field through memberships in the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you need root canal therapy to save a damaged tooth, we can help. Schedule your appointment online or call our Enterprise office at (541) 426-3783.