That dull ache in your tooth has turned into a sharp, persistent pain. You might be having trouble chewing, or maybe you’re waking up at night with a throbbing jaw. Our Howell family dentist mentioned the possibility of a root canal, but life is busy. You wonder, “How long can I really wait to get this handled?” It’s a common question, but the answer is crucial for your long-term health.
Delaying a root canal is a gamble with your health. While you might be able to tolerate the discomfort for a short time, the underlying infection will only worsen. This can lead to more pain, a greater risk of tooth loss, and even systemic health issues. At Sincere Smiles Dental, we want to help you understand why a timely root canal in Howell, MI, is so important.
Why Do You Need a Prompt Root Canal?
A root canal isn’t just a procedure for a toothache; it’s a treatment to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Inside each of your teeth is a soft tissue called the tooth pulp. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause intense pain and lead to an abscess.
A root canal in Howell, MI, removes this infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals it. The goal is to eliminate the infection and save the natural tooth.
Common Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see our Howell family dentist as soon as possible:
- Persistent Tooth Pain: Pain that’s deep in your tooth, doesn’t go away, and may get worse when you bite down.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity to temperature changes, even after the hot or cold stimulus is removed.
- Swollen Gums: Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums near the painful tooth.
- Tooth Discoloration: A darkening or grayish color of the tooth, which indicates the pulp is dying.
- Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth: The tooth is extremely sensitive to any pressure.
Ignoring these signs is a mistake. An infected tooth will not heal on its own. The infection can and will spread if left untreated.
What Happens If You Delay a Root Canal?
Waiting to get a root canal can transform a solvable dental problem into a major health crisis. The infection at the root of your tooth has nowhere to go but further into your jawbone and bloodstream.
Increased Pain and Discomfort
While you might think the pain will eventually subside, this often means the nerves inside the tooth have died. The infection, however, is still active and growing.
The pressure from the spreading infection can cause excruciating pain that over-the-counter pain relievers can’t touch. This can disrupt your sleep, ability to eat, and overall quality of life.
The Risk of Tooth Loss
A root canal in Howell, MI, at Sincere Smiles Dental is a tooth-saving procedure. The longer you wait, the more the infection damages the structure of your tooth and the surrounding bone. Eventually, the tooth may become so compromised that it cannot be saved and will need to be extracted.
Losing a natural tooth can lead to other dental problems, such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and the need for more expensive tooth replacements like bridges or implants. Our Howell family dentist will always prioritize saving your natural teeth whenever possible.
Spreading Infection (Abscess)
An untreated infection will form a tooth abscess, which is a pocket of pus at the root of the tooth. From there, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. It can travel to your jawbone, your sinuses, and beyond. While rare, a dental abscess that spreads can become a life-threatening condition called sepsis, which is your body’s extreme response to infection.
Symptoms of a spreading infection include:
- Fever
- Facial or Neck Swelling
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
- General Unwell Feeling
If you experience these symptoms along with tooth pain, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
The Benefits of a Timely Root Canal in Howell, MI
Rather than being a procedure to fear, a root canal should be seen as a solution that brings relief and prevents future problems.
Immediate Pain Relief
One of the most immediate benefits of a root canal is the relief from the constant, throbbing pain of an infected tooth. By removing the inflamed pulp and nerves, the source of the pain is eliminated. Most patients report feeling significantly better right after the procedure.
Saving Your Natural Tooth
As mentioned, the primary goal of a root canal is to preserve your natural tooth. Keeping your tooth allows you to maintain your natural bite, chew food properly, and avoid the complications that come with tooth loss. A restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Preventing the Spread of Infection
A root canal stops the infection in its tracks. By cleaning and sealing the tooth, our dentist prevents the bacteria from spreading to your jaw, gums, and other teeth. This protects not only your oral health but also your systemic health by eliminating a source of chronic inflammation in your body.
Never Wait for a Root Canal in Howell, MI
The moment you suspect a problem, it’s time to act. At Sincere Smiles Dental, our Howell family dentist understands that the thought of a root canal can be intimidating, but you’ll be glad you took the step. Don’t let fear or anxiety prevent you from getting the essential care you need.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, book an appointment today! We’re here to relieve your pain, save your tooth, and protect your overall health.