A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. Issues like severe dental pain, a knocked out tooth, bleeding from the mouth, a severely cracked tooth or an abscess are normally classed as a dental emergency and will require treatment as soon as possible.

However, there are dental problems that may not be classed as an emergency but that could cause wider health issues if not treated in a timely way. Issues like toothache, tenderness in the mouth, cheeks or gums, dental cavities or a missing filling or dislodged crown should be checked with your dentist when they arise.

Here, we look at some of the dangers of delaying dental treatment.

What are the dangers of waiting for dental treatment?

It’s easy to overlook dental treatment, but waiting can have serious repercussions. The British Dental Association recently warned that 1 in 4 adults are going without or delaying dental treatment. This came after the results of a Yougov poll, highlighting rising costs as a prime concern, as well as perceived pain of the treatment.

A minor issue like a cavity might seem common and easy to fix, but don’t let that fool you. Cavities, if ignored, can turn into a severe problem. While getting a filling is quite straightforward, many people underestimate the true danger of untreated cavities.

Think of a cavity as a small hole in a boat. Left unchecked, it allows water to seep in. Similarly, an untreated cavity opens the door to decay, and infection. As time goes on, these issues can escalate, causing greater damage to your oral health.

It’s essential to understand that an untreated cavity isn’t just a minor issue, but it can lead to tooth loss or more significant oral health issues.

Delaying root canal treatment

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp, which is the soft tissue within your tooth that houses blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, gets infected. These infections commonly arise from injuries, tooth cracks, or untreated severe cavities.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic so you shouldn’t feel any pain. It involves making an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to ward off future infections. The critical thing to remember is that the infected pulp won’t heal on its own, and a root canal is necessary to treat it effectively.

Patients sometimes mistake the absence of pain for healing. However, this usually indicates that the nerves inside the tooth have died while the infection persists. If left untreated, this infection can spread to your jaw, brain, blood, and even other parts of your body.

Getting the dental treatment and care you need

Waiting for dental treatment can lead to serious health complications. Rather than risking your health, it’s crucial to address any dental issues you are experiencing promptly. If you have any concerns because you are worried about what the treatment entails and if it will be painful, we can help put your mind at ease.

All of our dentists are highly skilled and will talk through any dental procedures before you go ahead. There are also different pain-relieving options for nervous patients or those with extra sensitive teeth that we can discuss with you. In fact, we are one of the few dentists in the country that can offer treatment under general anaesthesia if needed.

Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. Call our friendly reception team on 0117 472 1600 to book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards ensuring your oral health.