A lot of people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the pain that the dentist will cause. Not going to the dentist can cause a lot more problems. For example, one of the most common problems that people have, when they go to the dentist, is needing a root canal. Here are five of the reasons why you shouldn’t put off having one done if you need it.

1. Your tooth is infected & dying

While your tooth’s outer layers are hard, your tooth’s inner pulps are made out of the soft and living tissue. Sometimes the tissue will become infected due to the tooth’s surface being cracked, deep down decay, or other reasons. That is when the tooth starts dying. When this happens, you’ll need the treatment immediately. It will stop your pain, control your infection, and stop the infection from going to other teeth.

2. Your pain will be alleviated

A root canal won’t cause you pain, it will relieve the pain. The procedure itself is fairly painless. It’s similar to the treatment of a cavity, even though a lot of people say that it’s so painful. If you’re having pain in your tooth, chances are that you need to have a root canal. When you have it done, you are going to have a lot less pain and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

3. It’s not going to resolve itself

There are some things that you can ignore and that they are going to get better by themselves. But a problem with your root canal isn’t going to be one of those things. When you ignore it and wait too long, your pain is going to disappear. But that’s because your nerves have died. The infection is still there and can cause more problems.

4. It could worsen

When you leave it untreated, the bacteria that’s from your infected pulp in your tooth may go through your tooth’s roots and into your jaw and gum tissue. This could lead to a pus-filled painful abscess, and this can require urgent treatment. Sometimes it also can lead to inflammation through your whole body and cause other types of conditions such as stroke and heart disease.

5. It can save your tooth

If you’re neglecting your problem with the root canal, you may lose your tooth. If you have it done, you can save your tooth. When you are having your problem taken care of, you are going to avoid problems like your other teeth having trouble, problems with your bite, and gum disease.

These are the five reasons why you shouldn’t put off having a root canal done. The pain that you may feel due to the procedure is going to be nothing compared to the pain that you are feeling now, or will feel in the future. So go to the dentist and have the problem taken care of. You will be a lot happier.