What Happens If You Avoid a Root Canal? A Local Dentist Breaks It Down with X-rays
At Forest Road Dental in Hurstville, we often see patients who delay or avoid root canal treatment due to fear, cost, or time. Unfortunately, postponing this procedure can lead to serious dental problems — some of which are irreversible. In this guide, we’ll use real anonymized X-rays to show what can happen when root canal treatment is avoided.
Stage 1: Early Decay – The Warning Signs
What You See on X-ray: Small dark spot in the enamel layer.
What You Feel: Often no pain, maybe mild sensitivity.
Treatment at This Stage: Simple filling — no root canal needed.
Stage 2: Decay Reaches the Dentin
What You See on X-ray: Larger shadow moving toward the centre of the tooth.
What You Feel: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Treatment at This Stage: Deeper filling or possible root canal if the pulp is inflamed.
Stage 3: Infection in the Pulp
What You See on X-ray: Decay clearly into the pulp chamber.
What You Feel: Throbbing toothache, pain at night, swelling of gums.
Treatment at This Stage: Root canal to remove infected tissue and save the tooth.
Stage 4: Abscess Formation
What You See on X-ray: Dark area at the root tip (sign of bone loss from infection).
What You Feel: Severe pain, swelling, possible fever.
Treatment at This Stage: Urgent root canal or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.
Stage 5: Tooth Loss & Spread of Infection
What You See on X-ray: Missing tooth or severe bone loss in the jaw.
What You Feel: Difficulty chewing, shifting teeth, risk of infection spreading to other parts of the body.
Treatment at This Stage: Extraction, followed by implant, bridge, or denture — more costly and invasive than a root canal.
Why Acting Early Matters
Every stage you delay increases treatment complexity, discomfort, and cost. A root canal done early can:
Save your natural tooth
Prevent serious infections
Avoid more expensive treatments later
Real-Life Case from Hurstville
A local patient delayed treatment for six months. By the time they returned, the infection had spread to the jawbone, requiring tooth extraction and bone grafting before an implant could be placed — triple the cost of the original root canal.
See the Difference — Book Your X-ray Today
If you’re in pain or suspect a tooth infection, book an appointment now. We’ll provide a same-day diagnosis and explain all your options.
Forest Road Dental | 1/272 Forest Rd, Hurstville NSW
📞 (02) 9570 4888
💻 Book Online
