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If you’ve been told you may need a root canal, you might be wondering whether it’s something that can wait. The short answer is no. When a tooth becomes infected and is left untreated, that infection can spread to surrounding tissues and even other parts of the body. Recognising the early root canal infection symptoms and acting promptly can make all the difference.
Understanding Root Canal Infections
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a cracked tooth. Without proper treatment, bacteria can spread through the root canals of the tooth into the jawbone and beyond, leading to more severe complications.
Signs to look out for include:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Discolouration of the tooth
- A small bump on the gums near the affected tooth
These symptoms are your body’s way of signalling that urgent care is needed.
How Infection Can Spread
Once bacteria reach the root of the tooth, they can exit the root tip and spread into the surrounding bone and tissues. Over time, this can lead to:
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
- Formation of a dental abscess
- Swelling that spreads to the face, neck or head
- In rare cases, systemic infection affects your overall health
That’s why prompt infected tooth treatment is critical. Left too long, the tooth may need to be extracted, and the infection can become a serious medical concern.
Why Early Treatment is the Best Option
At Springmount Dental, we specialise in restoring oral health before irreversible damage occurs. Our experienced clinicians provide expert diagnosis and gentle root canal treatment in our Chesterfield and Matlock practices. With early care, we can preserve the natural tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
Not sure what’s involved in the procedure? Find out more about how long does a root canal take and what to expect during your visit.
Concerned About a Cracked Tooth?
Even a small fracture can allow bacteria to reach the tooth pulp, potentially leading to infection. Learn more about our cracked tooth root canal treatments and how we can help restore your smile.
