Why Putting Off a Root Canal Can Make Things Worse

If the words “root canal” make you nervous, you’re definitely not alone.

For many patients, root canal treatment is associated with uncomfortable memories, scary sounds, or stories they’ve heard from others. Because of that fear, some people delay treatment—hoping the pain will go away on its own.

Unfortunately, waiting often leads to more pain, more damage, and more complicated treatment later.

Here’s what you should know before putting off a needed root canal.

1. An Infected Tooth Won’t Heal by Itself

It’s tempting to think, “If I avoid chewing on it, maybe it’ll calm down.”
But when a tooth is severely inflamed or infected, it cannot heal on its own.

Sometimes the pain fades temporarily—not because the problem is fixed, but because the nerve inside the tooth has already died. The infection, however, remains and can continue spreading beneath the surface.

Without treatment, the tooth becomes more vulnerable to serious infection and, in many cases, eventual tooth loss.

2. Delaying Treatment Often Means More Pain Later

While no dental procedure is anyone’s idea of fun, modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain—not cause it.

Ignoring an infected tooth often leads to intense, persistent pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, and daily life. Compared to that, the discomfort from a root canal procedure is usually mild and temporary.

A short procedure now can prevent weeks—or months—of worsening pain later.

3. Untreated Infections Can Lead to a Dental Abscess

One of the biggest risks of delaying a root canal is the development of a dental abscess.

An abscess occurs when infection spreads beyond the tooth and into surrounding tissue. This can cause severe throbbing pain, facial swelling, and discomfort that radiates to the jaw, neck, or head. In serious cases, it may even affect your overall health.

Early treatment helps stop the infection before it reaches that stage.

Gentle, Comfortable Root Canal Care in New Jersey

Dr. Mark Huh of Rapha Dental provides patient-focused root canal care with comfort as a top priority. Every step of the process is explained clearly, and treatment is designed to minimize discomfort and anxiety.

If you’ve been postponing a root canal, you don’t have to keep living with pain or uncertainty.

Call or text (856) 829-8668 to schedule your appointment today.

Learn more about dental crowns in New Jersey and how they protect your tooth after a root canal.