Root canal that is not treated is one of the most severe dental diseases that may have a severe effect on oral and general health. Once the pulp in a tooth is infected or seriously damaged, it is necessary to treat it immediately before it causes devastating complications that may not only impact on your mouth but also the overall wellbeing of your body.

Symptoms of Untreated Root Canal to Be Aware of

The symptoms of untreated root canals may be mild or severe and may manifest in different ways, and they may begin in a subtle way and later lead to debilitating conditions. It is important to note these early warning signs to avoid other more severe health complications.

Persistent Pain: The most frequent symptom is intense, aching pain that can become worse when the patient lies down or presses on the affected tooth. This pain is usually persistent and can disrupt sleep and normal functioning.
Temperature Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink that is prolonged and persistent even after the stimulus is taken away. This tooth sensitivity usually means that the nerve tissue within the tooth is dying or it is already dead.
Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling of the face around the affected tooth, and possibly to the cheek, jaw, or neck. The gums around it can be red, swollen and tender.
Discolouration: The affected tooth can be dark or gray, which means that the internal tissue is dead and is decaying within the tooth structure.

Serious Root Canal Complications

The complications of root canals caused by the failure to treat the condition can develop at a very fast pace, which may result in life-threatening scenarios that need urgent medical care.

Abscess Formation: A root canal infection that is not treated often results in the formation of abscess, a pus pocket at the tip of the tooth. This is a severe complication of dental infection that may extend to the surrounding tissues and bone.
Bone Loss: The infection may cause destruction of the bone that supports the affected tooth, which causes it to become loose and may lose the tooth. This bone destruction can be very difficult to repair without a lot of reconstructive work.
Systemic Infection Spread: What can an untreated root canal lead to: This is a risky possibility of bacteria spreading into the bloodstream and causing sepsis or even impacting other vital organs such as the heart and the brain.
Gum Infection: The surrounding gum tissue may be severely infected and this may result in periodontal disease which may spread to the adjacent teeth and may need a lot of treatment.

Neurological and Systemic Effects.

The question of whether an untreated root canal can lead to headaches is a common one, and the answer is yes. The proximity of dental nerves to cranial nerve pathways may cause severe headaches, facial pain, and even migraines due to infection and inflammation.

Root canal side effects are not limited to oral symptoms but also have systemic health effects that are untreated. The long-term infection may impair the immune system, exposing the body to other diseases and infections. Patients can also feel fatigued, have a fever, and general malaise as their body constantly combats the persistent infection.

The cardiovascular issues may also be caused by the bacterial toxins of the infected tooth as studies have indicated that oral infections are related to heart disease. Also, the inflammation can worsen the underlying health issues like diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

Impact on Quality of Life

Root canal side effects have a great impact on the quality of life. Extreme pain causes difficulty in eating, drinking and speaking and in most cases patients are forced to avoid some foods or chew on one side of the mouth. Sleep disorders are frequent because of the pain experienced when resting, which causes exhaustion and low productivity.

The swelling and possible tooth discolouration are visible and may impact self-confidence and socialization. The bacterial infection can lead to bad breath which can be embarrassing and socially anxious.

When Emergency Care is a Necessity.

Root canal infection should be treated immediately when some warning signs are observed. The swelling of the face that extends past the immediate tooth region, inability to swallow or breathe, fever, and extreme pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter drugs are all signs of medical emergencies that need urgent medical care.

Late treatment not only complicates and makes the required procedures more expensive but can also lead to the loss of teeth, which would need more significant procedures like dental implants or bridges to replace the lost functionality and aesthetics.

Conclusion

The effects of untreated root canal go way beyond dental pain, and may pose a risk to the general health and quality. Early detection of symptoms and early medical treatment is the key to preventing serious complications and preserving oral and systemic health.

Carrum Downs Dental Group offers endodontic services with the newest technology and qualified specialists to the residents who present the symptoms of root canal infection. Our qualified personnel provide a full evaluation, pain treatment, and quality root canal therapy to save natural teeth and eliminate infection and prevent serious health complications. Do not leave an untreated root canal to have a negative impact on your health, seek professional treatment as soon as possible.

The Side Effects of an Untreated Root Canal You Should Not Ignore