A toothache can be easy to ignore at first, especially if it only hurts when you bite down or sip on something hot or cold. Many people think the discomfort will eventually go away on its own, but when the pain moves from a dull ache to a constant throbbing or sharp pain, the tooth is often signaling that something is wrong. Unfortunately, waiting usually gives the infection time to grow, and treatment options like root canal therapy are no longer an option. What starts as a small problem can turn into something much more painful and difficult to treat.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for Treatment
Many patients put off scheduling a root canal because they are unsure about the procedure or because the pain comes and goes. By that point, the infection has usually spread beyond the tooth's pulp and into the surrounding bone. Once bacteria reach the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, the body cannot clear the infection without treatment. Pain may fade in and out during this stage, which leads some patients to assume the tooth healed on its own, however, this leads to multiple dental procedures in order to treat the infected tooth.
Signs the Infection Is Getting Worse
A worsening tooth infection can cause symptoms that go beyond normal tooth sensitivity or discomfort. Some warning signs include:
- Pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or other areas of the face
- A small pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
- Fever or a generally feeling unwell
- A tooth that feels loose or unstable
These symptoms may be a sign that the infection has progressed and needs immediate attention. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the chance of complications.
Can Waiting Too Long Cause You to Lose the Tooth?
An untreated infection does not stay contained. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the jawbone, into neighboring teeth, or in rare cases into the bloodstream when a dental abscess bursts. An abscess is a pocket of infection that forms around the root of a tooth, making it painful and difficult to manage, and when it bursts, it exposes nearby blood vessels that are prone to infection. The American Dental Association notes that dental abscesses require immediate treatment, since the infection can quickly spread to other areas of the body. Waiting too long can significantly reduce the chances of saving your natural tooth and removes a root canal as an option entirely. Once damage reaches a certain point, a tooth extraction becomes the only remaining treatment, which then requires a bridge, implant, or denture to replace the missing tooth.
Why Treating a Root Canal Early Is Better
When it comes to treatment options for serious toothaches, the earlier the better. A root canal performed early is generally a quick and comfortable procedure. Anesthesia is used which allows patients to be numb throughout the entire procedure, and most describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it against future infection. A dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap, is often recommended afterward to strengthen and protect the tooth. When treatment is delayed, patients may need additional visits, antibiotics to control infection, or more extensive procedures to restore their oral health.
Don't Wait Until Tooth Pain Becomes an Emergency
Tooth pain is your body's way of letting you know something needs attention. Even if discomfort comes and goes, the underlying issue may continue getting worse. If you are experiencing ongoing tooth pain or think you may need root canal therapy, Valencia Family Dental Care can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment. Call today to schedule an appointment and protect your smile before the problem becomes more serious.