When Dr. Sean or Dr. Zachary recommends root canal treatment, it means the nerve inside your tooth is infected or severely inflamed. Ignoring this problem won't make it go away. It will only get worse, and the consequences can be quite serious.
Immediate Consequences
Without treatment, the infection will continue spreading through the tooth's root canals and into the surrounding bone. Pain typically worsens, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. The tooth may become increasingly sensitive to hot and cold.
Severe and Systemic Complications
As infection progresses, an abscess can form, which is a pocket of pus at the tooth's root, causing severe swelling, fever, and intense pain. Abscesses can spread to your jaw, neck, or face, creating life-threatening conditions that require emergency hospitalization.
More Complex and Costly Treatment
Delaying root canal treatment often means losing the tooth entirely, requiring extraction followed by implant placement, a bridge, or partial denture to replace it. All these procedures are significantly more expensive than the original root canal and crown.
The sooner you address the problem, the simpler and more affordable the treatment will be. Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.