Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure designed to address infection or damage within the tooth’s innermost part, known as the pulp. This soft tissue, located inside the root canal system, contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invade this area, often due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, a root canal procedure aims to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the internal chambers, and then seal the tooth to prevent further contamination, ultimately saving the natural tooth.
Localized Dental Complications
Leaving a root canal infection untreated can lead to a cascade of problems confined to the affected tooth and its immediate surroundings. One of the most common consequences is escalating pain, often worsening when chewing or applying pressure. This pain signals ongoing inflammation and bacterial activity within the tooth’s pulp.
The infection can also cause increased swelling and tenderness in the gums around the tooth. Over time, bacteria can lead to the formation of a dental abscess, a pocket of pus that develops at the root tip as the body attempts to fight the infection. This abscess can cause noticeable swelling in the face, neck, or head, making it difficult to open the mouth, eat, or speak comfortably.
Continued infection can result in bone loss around the tooth’s root, weakening its foundation. This bone deterioration can destabilize the tooth, potentially leading to its loss. Adjacent teeth may also be affected by this localized bone degradation, compromising overall oral health.
Spread of Infection Beyond the Tooth
If the infection from an untreated root canal progresses, it can extend beyond the tooth’s root tip and into the surrounding oral structures. The bacteria can spread into the jawbone, leading to osteomyelitis, an inflammation of the bone marrow or bone itself. This can cause chronic pain, bone destruction, and potentially even fractures in severe cases.
The infection can also spread to the facial tissues, resulting in cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and fat. Facial cellulitis can manifest as redness and swelling around the eyes, nose, and cheeks, requiring immediate attention. In some instances, the infection may form a draining fistula, which appears as a small, pimple-like bump on the gums or skin through which pus drains.
The infection may also extend into the sinuses, causing a sinus infection. In rare but severe cases, an untreated tooth root infection can spread to the blood vessels in the sinuses, leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot at the base of the brain. This is a life-threatening disorder requiring urgent medical intervention.
Broader Health Risks
When an untreated root canal infection enters the bloodstream, bacteria can travel to other organs, potentially causing widespread and life-threatening systemic health implications. One such risk is sepsis, a life-threatening response where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms of sepsis can include acute temperature changes, rapid heart rate, altered mental status, and overall weakness, and it can lead to organ failure, septic shock, and death if not addressed promptly. There is also an increased risk of endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Bacteria from the dental infection can adhere to damaged heart valves, leading to serious complications. While rarer, the systemic spread of infection can also impact other organs, including the brain, potentially leading to a brain abscess.
Addressing Untreated Cases
Prompt dental care is necessary if symptoms of an untreated root canal arise or if an existing root canal becomes reinfected. Early intervention prevents complications and safeguards overall health. A dentist can assess the extent of the infection and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Treatment options for an untreated or reinfected root canal may include a root canal retreatment, where the original filling material is removed, the tooth is re-cleaned, and then resealed. If the infection is severe or persistent, an apicoectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth’s root, might be recommended. In some cases, if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, extraction may be the only option to prevent further spread of infection.