Many dental patients may be intimidated by the prospect of getting a root canal, but the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. Unfortunately, if you put off a root canal, the consequences may extend far beyond the discomfort you initially experienced. But what are the true risks of putting off this dental treatment when it is recommended by your dental team? 

At David G. Johnson, we understand how important root canals are for preserving your oral health. Without this common dental procedure, you may notice significant changes to your oral function and the aesthetics of your smile. If you want to learn more about why you shouldn’t put off a root canal, keep reading. 

Why Do You Need a Root Canal? 

A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This typically occurs due to deep decay, a cracked or fractured tooth, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma. When the pulp is damaged or infected, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and abscess formation.

During a root canal procedure, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The empty space inside the tooth is then filled with a biocompatible material, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. In some cases, a dental crown may be placed on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

Overall, a root canal is necessary to relieve pain, prevent the spread of infection, preserve your natural tooth, and maintain oral health. It’s essential to undergo the procedure as soon as possible to avoid further complications and restore dental function. Choosing to put off a root canal may result in significant problems within your teeth and surrounding tissue. 

What Happens if You Put Off a Root Canal?

If you put off a root canal, there are a variety of problems you may experience, which become significantly worse as you avoid treatment. Some of the most significant risks of putting off a root canal include: 

Chronic Pain

One of the earliest symptoms you might experience that indicates you need a root canal is severe pain. As you put off a root canal, this pain will only continue to increase. While over-the-counter pain medication may help you alleviate this discomfort early on, it may become more difficult as the infection spreads.  

Infection Spread

When you put off a root canal, the infection from your tooth can reach the surrounding tissue. While you may have only initially needed a root canal in one tooth, this infection may spread to surrounding teeth. This spread of infection may lead to swelling and fevers, making it important to address this infection as soon as possible. 

Abscess Formation

Bacteria entering the tooth’s pulp cause infection, leading to pus buildup and abscess development. When you put off a root canal, the infection worsens, potentially leading to abscess expansion and rupture, causing further complications. Swift action is essential to prevent abscess formation and associated risks, including swelling, pain, and potential systemic infection. 

Tooth Loss

If you choose to put off a root canal, the infection can destroy your tooth, making it unsalvageable when you finally seek treatment. This may ultimately lead to tooth loss, which can have a significant impact on the appearance of your smile and your overall oral function. If you want to preserve your teeth, it is essential that you seek treatment as soon as it is recommended by your endodontic team.

The Benefits of Root Canals

There are several benefits of undergoing a root canal, including preserving your dental health and alleviating discomfort. Some of the key advantages of getting a root canal in a timely manner include: 

Long-Term Cost Savings

While root canals may initially seem like an investment, they often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run compared to tooth extraction, followed by tooth replacement options like implants or bridges. Preserving your natural tooth through a root canal can help avoid the need for additional dental procedures and associated expenses.

Improved Oral Health

By addressing the infection and preserving your natural tooth, a root canal contributes to overall oral health. It helps maintain the integrity of the tooth structure, reduces the risk of further decay or damage, and promotes long-term dental health.

Aesthetic Benefits

With advancements in dental technology and materials, root canal-treated teeth can be restored to their natural appearance with dental crowns or fillings. This ensures that your smile remains aesthetically pleasing while also maintaining functionality.

Reliable Root Canals from David G. Johnson

If you don’t want to put off a root canal and you’re looking for a reliable endodontic team in the Northern Utah area, turn to our team at David G. Johnson. Our reliable endodontist, Dr. David G. Johnson DDS., PC., has been practicing endodontics in Utah since 1990. With decades of experience, we’re certain that our team can help you clear the infection from your tooth and restore your oral function. 

Whether you come to us for a root canal, treatment for dental trauma, or resorption repair, we are here to offer you support throughout the dental experience. If you would like to schedule a root canal with our team or if you have questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at our Layton or Centerville locations. 

Cracked teeth can be incredibly irritating. From increasing your tooth sensitivity to impacting the appearance of your smile, they can be frustrating to deal with. Even though they can be frustrating, many people still choose to ignore a cracked tooth. But is it safe for your oral health to ignore a cracked tooth?

At David G. Johnson, DDS., we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a cracked tooth. But, there are many downfalls to ignoring it. If you have recently cracked a tooth and are considering ignoring it, keep reading to learn about why that may be more detrimental to your overall oral health. 

What is a Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth, also commonly referred to as a fractured tooth, occurs when a crack appears in your tooth. The size of the crack in your tooth can vary greatly based on the cause. They are most common among young children and older adults, though they are not exclusive to these age groups. There are a variety of ways in which you may crack your tooth, including: 

• Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism
• Physical injuries, such as falls, sports accidents, or car accidents
• Large fillings that weaken the tooth
• Chewing on crunchy substances like nuts, ice, or hard candies
• Abrupt temperature changes in your mouth from hot or cold beverages

Types of Cracked Teeth

There are several common types of cracks that may appear on your teeth. These common cracks include:

• Cracked Tooth: A standard cracked tooth features a crack that runs from the surface of the tooth toward the gum line. However, it stops prior to the gum line. 
• Craze Lines: Craze lines are very small cracks in the enamel of your teeth. These cracks cause no pain and don’t require immediate dental treatment. 
• Split Tooth: A split tooth features a crack that extends from the surface of your tooth to below the gum line. With this type of crack, your tooth is split into two parts. 
• Vertical Root Fracture: Vertical root fractures start below the gum line and travel toward the top edge of your tooth. They may not be irritating unless they become infected. 
• Fractured Cusp: A fractured cusp forms around a dental filling. Though they may be cosmetically irritating, they do not usually cause any pain. 

Signs You Have a Cracked Tooth

Some cracked teeth, like teeth with craze lines or fractured cusps, won’t exhibit any symptoms, which makes them easy to ignore. However, if you have a cracked tooth, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain that comes and goes, especially when chewing
• Sensitivity to sweets or especially warm or cold food
• Swelling of the tissue around the tooth
• Lingering toothaches when biting

Can You Ignore a Cracked Tooth? 

With so many different cracks that can occur, you might believe that you can ignore a cracked tooth and carry about with regular activity. However, while you may be able to ignore a cracked tooth that has craze lines, the same cannot be said for other types of cracks. In fact, if you choose to ignore a cracked tooth, it may lead to more painful symptoms and more costly treatment over time. 

Cracked teeth cannot heal themselves, and even if your crack starts small, leaving it untreated can lead to a weakening of the tooth. By seeking treatment, you can protect the tooth before the crack spreads or the tooth breaks. If you ignore a cracked tooth and it becomes weakened, you may become more susceptible to tooth decay. 

As you ignore a cracked tooth and tooth decay begins to set in, you may even require a root canal. Avoiding a root canal may lead to damage spreading to surrounding teeth. Ultimately, if you ignore a cracked tooth, the cost of dental care will only continue to grow, so it is best to address it as soon as possible. 

What to Do If You Crack a Tooth

It is in your best interest to not ignore a cracked tooth if at all possible. If your tooth has cracked, you should seek treatment from a trusted endodontist as soon as possible. Failing to treat the cracked tooth may result in even more damage to the tooth as well as the surrounding teeth. By going to your endodontist, you can prevent damage and treat any irritation as soon as it occurs. 

There are a variety of ways to treat a cracked tooth, ensuring your tooth is strong enough to avoid recurring cracks and damage. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to help protect the root from damage caused by the initial crack. This will help prevent damage to the pulp from causing more damage to the tooth overall.

It may also be necessary to add dental crowns to the tooth. Dental crowns are a great way to support weakened teeth. They are designed to slide over the top of damaged or weakened teeth. This allows you to maintain the full function of the tooth without exposing it to any additional damage. 

Caring for Your Tooth After Treatment

Following treatment for your cracked tooth, it is important that you treat your mouth with care. Avoid chewing on hard foods, and instead stick with a soft diet of yogurts, potatoes, smoothies, and soups while your mouth heals from treatment. You may also want to take over-the-counter pain medication to help ease any discomfort.

Ensure that you are still brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day to prevent any other forms of damage to your teeth. You should also rinse your mouth at least three times a day with a warm salt water rinse. This will help prevent any infection spread and keep your mouth sanitized between brushing.

Finally, it is essential that you attend all necessary follow-up appointments with your endodontist. At these appointments, they can determine if you are healing appropriately and make recommendations if you are experiencing any discomfort. If you don’t have a follow-up appointment but have questions, feel free to call the office for advice. 

Treatment for Cracked Teeth from an Endodontist You Can Trust

If you don’t want to ignore a cracked tooth anymore, you need to turn to a reliable endodontic team for help. With years of experience helping patients across Northern Utah treat their cracked teeth, our team at David G. Johnson, DDS., is confident that we can do the same for you. From root canals to 3D imaging and so much more, our team can help you achieve your healthiest smile. If you’ve recently received a dental injury and you’re trying to ignore a cracked tooth, don’t put off treatment any longer. Contact our team at our Centerville or Layton location to schedule an appointment today.