Let’s face it—life gets busy. When you’ve got a dull ache or sensitivity in your tooth, it’s easy to brush it off and hope it goes away. But here’s the truth: ignoring a tooth infection can have serious consequences for both your oral health and your overall well-being. At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we see what happens when small problems are left untreated—and we’re here to help you avoid that.

So, what really happens if you ignore a tooth infection? Let’s break it down.

1. The Pain Doesn’t Go Away… It Gets Worse

A tooth infection (also called a dental abscess) starts when bacteria invade the pulp of the tooth—where your nerves and blood vessels live. In the beginning, you might feel sensitivity or mild discomfort. But as the infection grows, so does the pain.

What begins as a nagging ache can quickly turn into a throbbing, radiating pain that keeps you up at night or makes it hard to eat. Pain like that doesn’t just go away on its own—it’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s wrong in here!”

2. The Infection Can Spread

One of the biggest risks of leaving a tooth infection untreated is that it won’t stay put. Infections can spread from the root of the tooth to the jawbone, sinuses, neck, and even vital organs. In rare but serious cases, untreated dental infections have led to life-threatening complications.

That’s why it’s so important to act early. The sooner we treat the infection, the easier (and safer) it is to resolve.

3. You Might Lose the Tooth

We’re in the business of saving natural teeth whenever we can. But if an infection is left untreated for too long, the tooth can become too damaged to save. That means it may need to be extracted—and that leads to a whole new list of decisions (like whether to get a bridge, implant, or partial denture).

Root canal therapy can often preserve a tooth that’s infected, but timing is everything. The earlier we can treat the tooth, the better the chances we can keep it.

4. It Affects More Than Just Your Mouth

Did you know that your oral health is closely tied to your overall health? A dental infection can increase your risk for systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. When bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream, it can trigger inflammation throughout the body.

So even if the pain seems bearable, the risks go far beyond your smile.

5. It’s More Expensive Later

Let’s be honest—dental treatment isn’t something most people look forward to. But when you delay treatment, you usually end up needing more extensive care later on… and that often comes with a higher price tag.

A root canal today could save you from needing an extraction, bone graft, implant, or multiple appointments later. Think of it as an investment in your future health (and comfort).

When Should You Call?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to give us a call:

  • Persistent or throbbing tooth pain

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

  • Swollen or tender gums

  • A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth

  • Bad taste in your mouth or foul breath that won’t go away

  • Fever or swollen jaw

These are all signs your tooth could be infected—and the sooner we catch it, the better the outcome.

We’re Here to Help

At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we’re not here to scare you—we’re here to support you. We understand how easy it is to put off dental care, especially if you’re nervous about the procedure or worried about cost. But we promise: treating a tooth infection early is always the better route.

Our team uses the latest techniques to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. From root canals to retreatments, we’re here to help you save your natural teeth and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Got questions? Need to schedule an appointment?
Reach out to us today—we’re happy to talk through your symptoms, concerns, and next steps.

Because your smile deserves the best care—and waiting only makes it harder.