Did your dentist in East Bay mention the need for a root canal? How did you feel about it? It’s understandable if you’re nervous—no one looks forward to root canal therapy. But avoiding it could lead to bigger problems. What might seem like a small inconvenience today could become severe pain, a deep infection, or even tooth loss. The reality is that waiting too long makes things worse, not better.
Delaying treatment doesn’t just mean dealing with ongoing discomfort—it could cost you your smile, health, and more money in the long run. Here’s why getting treated sooner is always the best choice.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth function, but once it’s inflamed or infected, it can cause pain and lead to serious complications.
A root canal removes the infection, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further damage. This treatment is necessary when deep decay, cracks, or trauma affect the pulp, causing severe pain, sensitivity, or abscess formation.
Many people fear root canals, but with modern techniques, they are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The procedure relieves pain and preserves the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal becomes necessary when the inner part of your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The procedure removes the infected tissue, cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent further damage.
Without treatment, the infection won’t go away—it will spread and lead to more serious oral health issues.
Increased Pain and Discomfort
Delaying a root canal treatment means the infection inside the tooth continues to grow. As the bacteria multiply, the pressure inside the tooth increases, leading to intense pain.
What starts as occasional discomfort can escalate into persistent, throbbing pain that makes eating and drinking unbearable. Over-the-counter pain relievers may offer temporary relief but won’t fix the problem.
Infection Can Spread Beyond the Tooth
If it isn’t addressed, the infection can move beyond the tooth into the surrounding gums, jawbone, and even the bloodstream. This can lead to a condition called abscess formation, which presents as swelling, pus, and severe pain. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
A tooth infection doesn’t just affect the tooth itself—it can also cause damage to the jawbone. As bacteria invade deeper, they begin breaking down bone tissue. Over time, this can weaken the jaw structure, leading to tooth mobility and increasing the likelihood of losing adjacent teeth.
Tooth Loss Becomes More Likely
Delaying treatment can leave a tooth so severely damaged that saving it becomes impossible. Extraction may be the only option if the infection has eroded too much of the tooth structure or spread extensively. Losing a tooth can impact your bite, speech, and overall oral health, often requiring expensive solutions like dental implants or bridges.
Treatment Becomes More Complex and Costly
A root canal is already a precise procedure, but waiting too long makes it even more complicated. The infection can cause extensive structural damage, requiring additional treatments such as a bone graft or apicoectomy (a surgical procedure to remove infected tissue at the tooth’s root tip). Not only does this extend recovery time, but it also increases the cost of treatment.
Complications with Existing Dental Work
If you have fillings, crowns, or other restorations, delaying a root canal can lead to complications. The infection can compromise existing dental work, requiring replacements or additional procedures to restore function and aesthetics. This means more time in the dental chair and higher expenses.
What Is the Process of Getting a Root Canal?
A root canal can be completed in one or two visits. The process involves several steps to remove infection and protect the tooth.
Step 1: Diagnosis and X-rays
Your dentist examines the affected tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. This helps determine whether a root canal is necessary and allows for precise treatment planning.
Step 2: Numbing the Tooth
A local anesthetic is applied to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Removing the Infected Pulp
The dentist drills a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Specialized tools remove the infected or damaged pulp, eliminating bacteria and stopping further infection.
Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Once the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans and shapes the root canals to prepare them for filling. This step removes any remaining bacteria and ensures proper sealing.
Step 5: Sealing the Tooth
After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which prevents reinfection. Then, the opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Step 6: Placing a Crown (If Needed)
If the tooth is weak or located in the back of the mouth, a dental crown is placed over it to restore strength and function.
Mild soreness is common after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers help with recovery. A root canal restores oral health and allows the tooth to function normally again.
Get Expert Root Canal Therapy from a Trusted Dentist in East Bay
Delaying root canal treatment can lead to severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. A skilled Dentist in East Bay can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment to restore your oral health.
At Coliseum Dental Walnut Creek, patients receive top-tier care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. With advanced technology, precise techniques, and a patient-centered approach, we make sure every procedure is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’ve been advised to get root canal treatment, don’t wait until the problem complicates. Schedule an appointment today and receive expert treatment from a dedicated dental team that puts your well-being first!
