How Will Waiting to Get a Root Canal Affect Me?

Posted on June 20, 2016

If you’ve ever heard your dentist utter the words “You need a root canal” then you know the intense feelings of absolute dread that usually accompany them. Even though a root canal is about as fun as getting, well, a root canal, procrastinating and waiting to get it fixed will probably just makes things a whole lot more painful.

If you’re experiencing any sort of pain or swelling in your teeth or gums, make sure that you immediately call a dentist. San Francisco patients experience tremendous relief and a brighter, more confident smile after getting their root canal handled. Give Dr. Skoulas a call today at (415) 757-0110 to set up a consultation where we can figure out exactly what’s causing your pain and erase it as quickly as possible.

What Causes Root Canal Infection?

Waiting to get your root canal taken care of is like waiting to put out a fire in your kitchen. With a root canal, things go from bad to worse very quickly and most people don’t realize how serious the infection can get. We wanted to take this chance to explain exactly what causes a patient to need a root canal and why you should promptly contact your dentist.

• San Francisco patients are often surprised to learn that your root canal is made of blood vessels, soft tissue, and nerves connected to the rest of your body.
• When your tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread not only to other teeth but also to your jaw bone and other areas of your body.
• Waiting to seek treatment can cause unbearable pain that affects your ability to concentrate and function normally.

In cases where patients receive no treatment whatsoever, the infection can spread to other organs and cause symptoms that lead to severe illness and even death. This sounds dire, but without treatment this is a real possibility and a serious gamble with your life.

What Will Happen During My Root Canal?

Most people wait to get their root canal handled because they hate going to the dentist. San Francisco patients who come to our practice are often nervous because they don’t understand how straightforward a root canal is. Here are the three simple steps involved in a root canal.

• Anesthetize the area to avoid any discomfort. This can include a sedative to relax you before the procedure.
• Gently remove the infected pulp in the root canal.
• Seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering.

Dr. Skoulas provides pain medication for any discomfort over the first few days after your procedure. Although, most people find that their pain level is greatly reduced following the root canal than before it, if they needed one. Resting at home can also help you through the initial phase of healing.

Are There Alternatives to a Root Canal?

If you cannot have a root canal done for financial reasons, then the only other option is to extract the tooth. This is an option that is generally not suggested unless there is no other option. Dr. Skoulas doesn’t usually recommend this treatment because it causes cosmetic problems that can require costly repairs, like a dental implant or bridgework .

If you’ve started to notice any kind of pain in your teeth or your gums, make sure that you contact Dr. Skoulas today at at (415) 757-0110 to schedule a consultation in our San Francisco offices.