When a tooth sustains severe damage or infection, a root canal procedure often becomes a necessary intervention to preserve the tooth. This treatment aims to remove infected or damaged pulp from within the tooth, clean the inner chambers, and seal them to prevent further bacterial invasion. Understanding the potential outcomes of delaying or forgoing this procedure is important, as untreated dental issues can lead to a cascade of worsening health complications.
Escalation of Pain and Infection
Ignoring a damaged or infected tooth leads to a worsening of its initial symptoms. The persistent, throbbing toothache that characterizes pulp infection can become more severe, often radiating to the jawbone, ear, or neck. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as pain when chewing or biting, intensifies. Without intervention, bacteria within the tooth’s innermost tissue, known as the pulp, continue to multiply. This growth leads to increased inflammation and pulp tissue destruction.
Even if the pain seemingly subsides, it indicates that the pulp has died, not that the infection has resolved. The infection remains active within the tooth structure and can spread beyond its confines. This progression means the underlying issue is still present and actively damaging the tooth and surrounding areas, even in the absence of acute pain.
Development of Abscess and Bone Damage
As the untreated infection progresses, it can extend beyond the tooth’s internal structure. Bacteria can spread to the tip of the tooth’s root and into the surrounding bone, leading to the formation of a dental abscess. An abscess is a localized collection of pus, manifesting as a painful, swollen bump on the gums near the affected tooth. Symptoms can include facial swelling, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a foul taste or smell in the mouth due to pus drainage.
The pressure from the accumulating pus within the abscess can cause intense, throbbing pain. If the abscess ruptures, a sudden rush of foul-tasting fluid may occur, providing temporary pain relief, but the infection persists. Over time, the chronic presence of infection can erode the surrounding jawbone, weakening the tooth’s support structure and potentially leading to bone loss. A fistula, a hollow tunnel, can form through the jawbone, allowing pus to drain.
Potential Systemic Health Impacts
An untreated dental infection is not confined to the mouth and can pose broader health risks. Bacteria from a dental abscess can enter the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia, and travel to other parts of the body. This spread can lead to more widespread infections, such as cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues, causing facial swelling. Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, can also develop if the bacteria spread to the jawbone or other bones.
These bacteria can cause serious systemic conditions. Sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s immune response to an infection harms its own tissues and organs, is a complication of an untreated dental abscess. Endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining, is another risk, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Necessity of Tooth Extraction
If a tooth infection remains untreated, the damage can become so extensive that the tooth is no longer salvageable. Extraction becomes the only option to remove the source of infection and alleviate persistent pain. While extraction resolves the immediate infection, it introduces new challenges for oral health. The loss of a tooth can lead to the shifting of surrounding teeth, as they naturally drift into the newly created gap.
This shifting can affect bite alignment, making chewing more difficult and potentially causing issues with speech. The jawbone in the area of the missing tooth no longer receives the necessary stimulation from chewing, which can lead to bone deterioration or resorption over time. To address these consequences, additional restorative procedures such as dental implants or bridges are needed to replace the extracted tooth and maintain oral function and facial structure.