The Price of Pain: Dangers of Avoiding a Root Canal

Are you experiencing symptoms of a root canal? Do you have extreme pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or tooth discoloration?

Your first reaction is probably to stay away from the dentist as much as possible. (The absence of pain from the procedure and its cost … victory!)

However, staying out of that dentist’s chair may save you money now, but you’ll pay for it later.

With modern advancements in dentistry, the process is convenient and painless. Having an experienced and caring dentist also makes a world of difference.

On the other hand, the dangers of avoiding a root canal could cause severe problems that require more extensive care, increasing the costs.

At 16th Avenue DentalThis link leads to Home page, we’d like to explain how putting off a root canal could cost you.

So, what are the consequences of delaying a root canal?

Problems that require a root canal will not go away on their own.

Whether our dentist recommended a root canal, or you think you need one, it’s not wise to hide away!

While it may not be a procedure you’re excited about, when you understand the dangers of avoiding a root canal, you’ll see it’s best to take care of it early.

Spread of infection

If the tooth is infected and you don’t receive a root canal, the infection could spread to the jawbone and throughout your mouth.

Even worse, the infection could even spread beyond the mouth.

In extreme cases, it can become life-threatening, causing an issue known as sepsis—a severe response to an infection that can lead to organ failure.

Unbearable pain

As your infection worsens, so will the pain.

It can quickly become unbearable, hindering normal life activities.

Moreover, any sensitivity to cold or hot will also worsen as the infection does.

While you may be trying to avoid a root canal, you should know that any discomfort you feel is minimal—much less than the pain of the infection.

Our dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic during the procedure to numb any feeling in the area.

You might experience some discomfort following the root canal, but you can manage it by taking an over-the-counter analgesic, which will reduce or eliminate the pain.

Our dentist can also recommend other means to ease your discomfort, such as ice.

Acute abscess

An untreated tooth infection can develop into an abscess—a pocket of pus forming near the infection site.

A fever and excruciating pain typically accompany an abscess.

Opening your mouth and chewing may become problematic.

Not to mention, an untreated abscess can spread to other parts of your body, including your heart valves.

Yes, that’s right; your oral health can break your heart, well at least cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and night sweats from inflammation in the heart’s valves and chambers.

When it goes untreated, it may require surgical intervention and can be life-threatening.

More difficult treatment

As was previously mentioned, the infection can spread whenever treatment is postponed.

Because back teeth have multiple tooth roots, treatment for these teeth may be more involved.

That typically means a more extensive and costly course of treatment—a root canal costs between $300 and $2,000 out of pocket.

Conversely, the average cost of delaying a root canal can reach up to $6,000, depending on the issue.

For example, you might lose the tooth entirely, in which case an implant replacement ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. In certain instances, the cost might even surpass $6,000.

If the infection spreads, damage to your health and your wallet continues to rise.

Tooth loss

Ignoring an infected tooth could easily lead to the loss of that tooth.

Think about this for a minute: when somebody has a missing tooth and a scar on their face, which do you notice first when they smile?

Whenever you have a root canal, our dentist removes the infection and prevents it from spreading, allowing you to keep the tooth.

You may be at risk of stroke or heart disease

Any untreated infection causes serious health risks, including oral infections.

Tooth infections have been known to lead to heart issues and irreversible damage.

You could then suffer from a heart attack or stroke, two serious health emergencies that aren’t worth the risk.

At 16th Avenue DentalThis link leads to Home page, our team wants to prevent the need for costly and invasive treatments by offering you solutions to correct oral health problems early.

Sometimes, that means a root canal. Fortunately, it’s a relatively simple and standard procedure not known for causing discomfort. The use of the latest techniques and the appropriate analgesic keeps patients comfortable.

Plus, we always exercise the greatest care to ease any discomfort!

So, book an appointment now for that root canal!

Or:

• Call us at: 403-282-9141
• Email us at: info@16thavenuedental.ca

Our location is in northwest Calgary. We can offer care to Mount Pleasant, Crescent Heights, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Kensington, West Hillhurst, Capitol Hill, Rosedale, Tuxedo, Briar Hill, Renfrew, Rosemont, and downtown Calgary, though.