What happens if a decayed tooth is not removed?

Nearly two-thirds of Americans report that they fear root canals, but close to 95% of Americans say that they want to keep their natural teeth. If you fall into both of these categories, there is a bit of a contradiction—root canals actually allow you to keep your existing teeth.

Most of the fears around root canals have to do with their undeserved bad reputation. Root canals are no longer that painful, and in fact, they offer multiple advantages. Here's a look at just a few of them.

1. You Get to Keep Your Tooth

With root canals, there's usually a choice. Do you want to get a root canal or have your tooth extracted? In almost every case, it's better to keep your tooth.

When you have a tooth extracted, that empty spot can be unsightly. It can also attract debris and become a breeding ground for bacteria. In some cases, your remaining teeth may start to shift into that area, and that can throw off your bite or cause discomfort. If you get a root canal and keep your tooth, you don't have to worry about any of those issues.

2. Root Canals Are a Relatively Simple Procedure

In spite of their negative reputation, root canals are a fairly straightforward procedure. They are actually like any other type of cavity filling. The dentist scrapes out the decay and puts in the filling. The only difference is that root canals are for cavities that extend into the roots of your teeth.

As a result, the process is slightly more time consuming and complicated than a regular filling, but overall, it's a fairly basic process.

3. You Can Get Root Canals from Dentists and Specialists

Both general dentists and endodontists do root canals. According to some research, endodontists do about 43% of root canals. That means that regular dentists handle over half of these procedures.

As a consumer, you are in luck. You get to choose which option works for you. However, there are cases where your dentist may recommend a specialist. For example, if you need sedation dentistry or any special accommodations, your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist.

4. Root Canals Eliminate Pain

As explained above, root canals are for cavities that go deep into the roots. These are the most painful cavities that you can have. You're likely to experience sensitivity with hot and cold drinks or foods, but beyond that, you may have pain that radiates deep into your mouth. A bad toothache can feel like your whole face is "on fire". Once you go in for your root canal, all of that pain becomes a distant memory.

In addition, you don't have to worry about the issue spreading. Untreated cavities and infections can lead to serious issues including heart disease.

If you're worried about pain during the procedure, don't be. Dental pain treatments have come a long way over the years. Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic, and if you feel anything during the treatment, they give you more Novocain. If you want a bit more relaxation, you can opt for the floaty feeling of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or you can even "go under" with sedation.

5. Root Canals Can Prepare Your Tooth for a Crown

If the enamel of your tooth is mostly intact, the dentist can do a root canal and just put in a filling. However, if your tooth is chipped or cracked, you may need a crown. A crown is a porcelain cap that goes over your existing tooth. However, you can't put a crown over a rotten tooth—a root canal helps prepare your tooth for the crown.

Do you have a toothache? Think you might need a root canal? Then, contact us at Dr. Steven Sampson, DMD today. We are committed to making your dental experience as painless and efficient as possible.

Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on your teeth.

If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to further problems, such as dental caries (holes in the teeth), gum disease or dental abscesses, which are collections of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gums.

This topic covers:

Symptoms 

Seeing a dentist 

Treatment

Cost of NHS treatment

Prevention

Protecting your child's teeth

How plaque causes tooth decay

Symptoms of tooth decay

Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have dental caries you might have: 

• toothache – either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause
• tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
• grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
• bad breath
• an unpleasant taste in your mouth

Seeing a dentist

Visit your dentist regularly, so early tooth decay can be treated as soon as possible and the prevention of decay can begin. Tooth decay is much easier and cheaper to treat in its early stages. Dentists can usually identify tooth decay and further problems with a simple examination or X-ray.

Find your nearest dentist.

It's also important to have regular dental check-ups. Adults should have a check-up at least once every two years and children under the age of 18 should have a check-up at least once a year.

Read more on getting over a fear of the dentist

Treatments for tooth decay

Treatment of tooth decay depends on how advanced it is.

• For early stage tooth decay – your dentist will talk to you about the amount of sugar in your diet and the times you eat. They may apply a fluoride gel, varnish or paste to the area. Fluoride helps to protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque that can cause tooth decay.
• Your dentist may discuss a filling or crown with you – this involves removing the dental decay, offering local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and filling the hole
• If tooth decay has spread to the pulp (in the centre of the tooth, containing blood and nerves) – this may be removed in a process known as root canal treatment.
• If the tooth is so badly damaged that it can't be restored – it may need to be removed. Your dentist may be able to replace the tooth with a partial denture, bridge or implant.

Cost of NHS treatment

NHS charges are set by the government and are standard for all NHS patients. Charges are assessed each year and usually change every April.

Some people don't have to pay for dental treatment, including children, pregnant women and new mothers. Financial help may also be available to those on a low income.

The cost of private dental treatment varies between practices, as there is no set charge. If you choose to see a private dentist, make sure to agree the cost before having treatment.

Preventing tooth decay

Although tooth decay is a common problem, it's often entirely preventable. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. For example, you should:

• visit your dentist regularly – your dentist will decide how often they need to see you based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums
• cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks, particularly between meals or within an hour of going to bed – some medications can also contain sugar, so it's best to look for sugar-free alternatives where possible
• look after your teeth and gums – brushing your teeth properly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, using floss and an interdental brush at least once a day
• avoid smoking or drinking alcohol excessively – tobacco can interfere with saliva production, which helps to keep your teeth clean, and alcohol can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel
• see your dentist or GP if you have a persistently dry mouth – this may be caused by certain medicines, treatment or medical conditions

Read:

how to keep your teeth clean

reading food labels 

Protecting your child's teeth

Establishing good eating habits by limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help your child avoid tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist at an early age should also be encouraged.

It's important to teach your child how to clean their teeth properly and regularly. Your dentist can show you how to do this. Younger children should use a children's toothpaste, but make sure to read the label about how to use it. 

Children should still brush their teeth twice a day, especially before bedtime.

How plaque causes tooth decay

Your mouth is full of bacteria that form a film over the teeth called dental plaque.

When you consume food and drink high in carbohydrates – particularly sugary foods and drinks – the bacteria in plaque turn the carbohydrates into energy they need, producing acid at the same time.

If the plaque is allowed to build up, the acid can begin to break down (dissolve) the surface of your tooth, causing holes known as cavities.

Once cavities have formed in the enamel, the plaque and bacteria can reach the dentine (the softer, bone-like material underneath the enamel). As the dentine is softer than the enamel, the process of tooth decay speeds up.

Without treatment, bacteria will enter the pulp (the soft centre of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). At this stage, your nerves will be exposed to bacteria, usually making your tooth painful.

The bacteria can cause a dental abscess in the pulp and the infection could spread into the bone, causing another type of abscess.

What happens if I leave a decayed tooth?

What happens if you don't get a decayed tooth pulled?