Root canal therapy may sound scary, and some people tend to avoid it for as long as possible. In this article, we discuss what happens if you delay a root canal and the main symptoms that indicate you need the procedure.

What Happens If You Delay a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is required in cases of tooth infection that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. An infected tooth can not heal on its own. This means that delaying root canal will likely result in the infection spreading and potentially reaching the surrounding gum tissue and the jawbone or turning into a tooth abscess. These conditions can cause more pain and require more expensive and complex treatments. In severe cases, delaying root canal therapy can also lead to tooth extraction, as when the infection destroys a substantial part of the tooth’s structure, it can no longer be saved with root canal.

Symptoms You Might Need Root Canal Therapy

As we mentioned earlier, root canal therapy is required in cases of tooth infection. The most common symptoms of tooth infection include:

• Acute and persistent toothache
• Swelling of the gum tissue around the tooth
• Changes in the tooth’s color
• Persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath

Not all cases of tooth infection have all the symptoms listed above. Some people may experience more severe pain and swelling, while for others the symptoms may be mild. That is why it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice even one of the symptoms to determine what kind of treatment you require.

What Happens During Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is aimed at removing the infection from the inner chambers and canals of the tooth. The procedure starts with your dentist administering local anesthesia via injection in the gum. The anesthesia takes effect within a couple of minutes and numbs the procedure site, meaning that you will not feel pain during the root canal.

Then, your dentist uses a special drill-like instrument to make an opening in the tooth’s crown and access the inner pulp. The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth’s canals are cleaned, making sure no infection remains in the tooth. Then, your dentist will fill the tooth with special rubber-like biocompatible material and seal it.

What Is the Recovery Like After Root Canal Therapy

Typically, the recovery after root canal therapy takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the treated infection. Most patients report immediate pain relief after root canal therapy compared to the symptoms they experienced prior to the procedure. During your recovery, you may feel some soreness or tenderness of the treated tooth and the gum tissue around it for a few days. Also, your tooth may react to hot and cold foods and drinks. These symptoms are typically mild and can be easily managed.

To make sure that your root canal recovery is swift and complication-free, we recommend closely following your dentist’s care recommendations. Usually, the main post-procedure care recommendations include:

• Switch to soft foods and avoid chewing food on the treatment side of your mouth for several days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Abstain from smoking, alcohol, and strenuous physical activities.
• Take the entire course of antibiotics according to schedule if your dentist prescribes them.

Make an Appointment at Santa Ana Magic Smile

If you experience acute toothache, swelling, or other symptoms of tooth infection, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced emergency dentist in Santa Ana at Santa Ana Magic Smile.