Reviewed by a licensed dentistTreatment: Root canalCode: D3310–D3330Question: Skipping it
What happens if I don't get the root canal?
The short answer
If the nerve is truly dead or infected, it won't heal on its own. The infection usually grows slowly and can lead to pain, swelling, bone loss, or losing the tooth.
More detail
What can happen over time
- Nothing noticeable, for a while. Some infections stay quiet for months or years.
- A flare-up. Pain or swelling can start suddenly, often at an inconvenient time.
- Bone loss around the root, which can make future options harder.
- Losing the tooth. At some point it may not be saveable.
- Rarely, a spreading infection. Facial swelling or fever needs urgent care. Trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that's spreading, is an emergency: go to an emergency room.
If you decide to wait
That's your choice to make. Ask for a re-check date, and get seen promptly if you notice swelling or new pain.
Waiting can change your options. If the tooth gets worse, it may no longer be saveable with a root canal, and removing it may become the main option.
Questions to ask
- How urgent is this, in your opinion?
- If I wait, when should we re-check it?
- What signs mean I should come in right away?
- Before we schedule, can I get my cost in writing? (A predetermination if I'm using insurance, or a good faith estimate if I'm paying myself.)
When a second opinion makes sense
A second opinion makes sense if the timeline feels rushed and you have no symptoms.