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Dental Regrets: What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?

July 29, 2025

A pained and upset woman who didn’t get a root canal

You may see root canal treatment as something you should skip, especially if you know its reputation. Why put up with such an invasive dental procedure? With that said, you really should receive this treatment when your dentist recommends it; you’ll face harsh consequences otherwise. Your Marysville dentist can even outline these downsides in great detail.  So, keep reading to learn what happens if you don’t get a root canal for your infected tooth.

The Effects of Skipping a Root Canal

A root canal involves complex dental work, so a dentist will only suggest it when you really need one. Going without it would cause you to suffer problems like:

Your Mouth Hurts More

Without a root canal, your infected tooth’s ache won’t disappear. It’ll just get worse as your infection advances.

Don’t forget that tooth infection bacteria irritate your pulp – your pearly white’s inner nerves. If you skip a root canal, these microbes will continue to upset sensitive tissues and prompt pain signals to your brain. The result will be a longer and more painful toothache than you’d have otherwise.

You (Likely) Lose Your Tooth

Of course, a sore smile isn’t the only downside to skipping a root canal. Deciding against treatment will put you at high risk of losing your tooth.

When a tooth becomes infected, its infecting bacteria won’t simply stay still. They’ll reach the bone under your dental roots if left untreated, causing your jaw and gums to erode slowly. This process would cause your tooth to eventually fall out or force your dentist to remove it themselves.

Your Infection Spreads Widely

In a way, failing to get a root canal is a deadly matter. The treatment would ensure you avoid life-threatening health complications.

An infected tooth’s bacteria can eventually enter your bloodstream, especially when enough time passes. That’s only natural – the microbes have access to blood vessels once they reach your tooth’s pulp. After entering your bloodstream, these bacteria may eventually cause sepsis – a condition that can kill you as your body overreacts to your infection.

Quickly See a Dentist for Care

If you want to prevent the above effects, quickly see your dentist for care. They’ll perform a root canal that spares you and your tooth from harsh outcomes.

Remember, a trained dentist knows how to fix complex tooth problems. They have the awareness, tools, and resources to treat a tooth’s pulp with root canals and similar services. To that extent, a good dentist can always protect your teeth from infections.

For more details about root canals and how they help, consult your dental provider. They’ll gladly share the relevant facts with you.

About the Practice

Northwest Family Dental of Marysville is based in Marysville, OH. Led by Dr. Miller, our practice always does its utmost to give patients healthy and beautiful smiles! That means we offer high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as care for dental emergencies. Our team can even provide patients with root canals and tooth extractions as needed. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (937)-642-3434.