Emergency Dentist

I had a tooth infection a while back. My dentist said that I needed a root canal treatment and gave me some antibiotics to tide me over. They were supposed to send me an appointment, but must have forgotten. I wasn’t eager to get there so I didn’t remind him. It hasn’t hurt in months but I’ve started to wonder how long I can go without getting the root canal treatment before it becomes a problem?

AnnaBeth

Dear AnnaBeth,

If your tooth hasn’t hurt for a while, you may be okay to wait. However, if it starts hurting at all, even a little bit, I would call and get your antibiotics refilled then get that appointment for your root canal treatment done quickly. If you don’t, the infection will blow up worse than it was before. I would treat it like a dental emergency.

It will be important that you make sure you get the root canal done while you are on the antibiotic. Don’t wait until it runs out again. You will run into trouble. Plus, an infection that is not under control will make it harder for you to get numb.

Another symptom that you would need to be seen and have the root canal done, would be if you developed a pimple on your gums. This is a sign of an abscessed tooth.

Other than the two things I mentioned, it will be okay to wait. That being said, you risk getting external resorption. This is when the root of your tooth is eaten away by the infection. It happens slowly, but eventually there is not enough root left to save your tooth.

If you’ve been avoiding getting the treatment you need because you have dental anxiety, you are not alone. The good news is that there is a way for you to receive dental treatment without anxiety. Those who’ve tried it found it made a huge difference in their ability to get dental work done. They are no longer afraid.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly Naples cosmetic dentist Dr. Andrea Cameron.