A root canal procedure, or endodontic therapy, is designed to save a natural tooth by removing the infected or necrotic soft tissue, called the pulp, from the internal chamber and root canals. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invade this space through deep decay, cracks, or trauma, a serious infection takes hold. Leaving this infection untreated is a significant health risk. Without intervention, the bacteria multiply, spreading beyond the tooth’s confines and causing progressive damage to surrounding structures and potentially the rest of the body.
Escalation of Local Infection
The immediate consequence of ignoring a needed root canal is the relentless progression of the infection, leading to acute symptoms. Bacteria move through the root tip into the jawbone, triggering an intense immune response that results in the formation of a dental abscess. This abscess is a localized pocket of pus that forms at the apex of the tooth’s root.
This acute infection often causes severe, throbbing, and persistent pain, which can be difficult to manage with over-the-counter medication. The pressure from the accumulating pus within the jawbone generates this intense discomfort. Localized symptoms can also include noticeable facial swelling, tenderness in the gums, and the development of a small, pimple-like bump (a fistula) on the gum line attempting to drain the infection.
Systemic signs like fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck may appear, indicating the infection has spread beyond the immediate site. The infection will not resolve on its own. It may enter a chronic, less painful phase or cause significant swelling that can obstruct the airway during an acute flare-up. At this stage, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, complicating eventual treatment.
Structural Damage and Tooth Loss
If the acute infection is not addressed, the body’s persistent attempt to contain the bacteria results in chronic damage to the tooth’s supporting structures. The ongoing inflammatory process at the root tip causes the release of destructive biochemicals that dissolve the surrounding jawbone, a process known as bone resorption. This bone loss progressively weakens the tooth’s foundation.
This chronic destruction is often slow and painless. The bacterial infection also damages the periodontal ligament, the specialized tissue that holds the tooth firmly in the socket. Over time, as the bone dissolves and the ligament is compromised, the tooth loses its support structure.
Ultimately, the tooth becomes loose, non-functional, and severely weakened, increasing the risk of fracture. When the infection has destroyed too much supporting bone, the tooth becomes unsalvageable. Extraction is the only remaining treatment option, which necessitates replacement with a bridge or implant to maintain proper alignment and function.
Systemic Health Risks
The consequences of an untreated dental infection are not limited to the mouth and jaw; the bacteria can travel beyond the oral cavity. When the infection is left to fester, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia. This allows the bacteria to circulate throughout the body, potentially seeding infection in distant organs.
In rare but severe cases, the infection can spread to the deep tissues of the neck and floor of the mouth, leading to a life-threatening condition called Ludwig’s angina. This aggressive cellulitis causes rapid swelling that can compromise the airway, requiring immediate hospitalization. Another serious complication is cavernous sinus thrombosis, where the infection spreads to the blood vessels behind the eyes, potentially causing vision loss or neurological issues.
Chronic dental infections are also associated with aggravating existing health conditions. The continuous low-grade inflammation stemming from the untreated tooth has been linked to exacerbating cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease. A dental infection requires prompt attention to prevent serious, body-wide consequences.