What Happens If You Delay a Root Canal? Consequences You Should Know
If your dentist has advised you to undergo a root canal treatment (RCT), delaying it can lead to more than just prolonged discomfort. Root canal therapy is designed to save an infected or damaged tooth—and postponing it may cause the problem to worsen significantly. This blog explores what happens when RCT is delayed, and why timely intervention is critical for preserving your oral and overall health.
Root Canal Treatment: When, Why & Where to Get It
Can a tooth heal without a root canal?
What happens if I delay or skip RCT?
Can a root canal infection spread to the body?
How long can I wait before getting a root canal?
Best root canal clinics near Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
Why Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary
Root canal treatment is recommended when the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to:
Deep decay
Cracked or chipped tooth
Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
Trauma or injury
Delaying treatment allows the infection to spread deeper, increasing pain and damaging the surrounding tissues.
What Happens If You Delay Root Canal Treatment?
Consequence
Details
Increased Pain
Sensitivity worsens and pain becomes constant or throbbing
Spread of Infection
Infection may reach jawbone or bloodstream (serious risk)
Tooth Loss
The affected tooth may become unsalvageable
Gum Abscess or Swelling
Leads to pus formation, swelling, and potential facial cellulitis
Damage to Surrounding Teeth
Bacteria can migrate, causing damage to nearby teeth and gums
Higher Treatment Costs
Delay often results in more complex procedures like extraction, implants, or surgery
Note: The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome and lower the cost.
How Soon Should You Get a Root Canal?
Ideally, within days to weeks of diagnosis. Ignoring symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot/cold can lead to emergency situations or irreversible damage.
Why Choose Dentinix for Timely Root Canal Treatment?
Advanced rotary RCT systems for faster and more precise results
Painless procedure under local anesthesia
Experienced endodontists and in-house digital X-ray diagnostics
Single-sitting root canal options available
EMI and affordable care plans
Located in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, with easy appointment slots
Root Canal Cost in Bangalore (Dentinix Estimate)
Tooth Type
Estimated Cost
Front Tooth (Single Root)
₹3,500 – ₹5,000
Premolar
₹5,000 – ₹6,500
Molar (Multiple Roots)
₹6,000 – ₹8,000
Includes consultation, X-ray, and procedure fees. Crown charges are additional.
FAQs: Delaying Root Canal Treatment
Can I just take antibiotics instead?
Antibiotics may reduce pain temporarily but will not cure the infection. RCT is essential for permanent relief.
Will the pain go away if I wait?
Pain may temporarily subside as nerves die, but the infection will silently spread—causing bigger problems later.
Can a delayed root canal lead to hospitalization?
Yes, untreated dental infections can lead to serious systemic complications if ignored for too long.
Delaying a root canal is never advisable. What starts as a treatable condition can quickly escalate into a more serious, painful, and costly problem. At Dentinix, we make root canal treatment efficient, affordable, and comfortable—so you never have to compromise on your dental health.