Ask the Dentist: Root Canal Treatment

Q: What are the risks of not getting a root canal treatment?

A: Root canal treatments are usually indicated for the management of dental pain and treatment of inflamed or infected pulp.

If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to abscess formation. An abscess is an accumulation of pus (thick, yellowish fluid) that is formed naturally by the body to contain an infection and prevent it from spreading. It can appear as a pink/red swelling and may cause pain due to pressure from building up of pus.

A tooth remains infected until root canal treatment is completed or the tooth is extracted.
While the pain may subside with the help of medication, the infection will not go away without treatment. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment promptly to prevent the infection from spreading and causing damage to surrounding structures such as teeth, bone or sinus.

Root canal treatments are usually done under local anaesthesia so there is minimal discomfort. For patients who are nervous, intravenous sedation can help treatment to be completed in a safe and comfortable manner.

You can discuss any concerns or questions with your endodontist/dentist so that they can advise the most suitable option to save your teeth with minimal discomfort.

Dr Irene Sim is a Dental Specialist in Endodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883