Gingivitis: The mildest form of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads to the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. This can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

Gum Recession: This occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. It can be a result of periodontal disease or other factors such as aggressive brushing.

Periodontal Abscess: A pus-filled sac that forms in the gum tissue due to infection. It can be painful and may require drainage and antibiotics.

Material: The material used for the prosthesis can influence its longevity. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and zirconia are known for their durability, while all-porcelain restorations may be more prone to chipping or wear over time.

Oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can help prevent decay and gum disease around the prostheses, thus prolonging their lifespan.

Pain and Discomfort: A problematic tooth may continue to cause pain, discomfort, and even swelling if it’s not extracted. This can impact your quality of life and ability to eat and speak comfortably.

Infection: If a tooth is decayed, infected, or impacted (unable to erupt properly), leaving it in place can lead to the spread of infection to surrounding teeth, gums, and even the jawbone. In severe cases, this can result in a dental abscess, which can be painful and require urgent treatment.

Damage to Surrounding Teeth: A severely decayed or infected tooth can compromise the health of neighboring teeth. For example, it can lead to decay or gum disease spreading to adjacent teeth, potentially requiring more extensive dental treatment in the future.

Bone Loss: Untreated infection or inflammation within the tooth can lead to bone loss in the surrounding jawbone. This can weaken the jawbone structure and affect the stability of adjacent teeth.

Systemic Health Complications: Infections in the oral cavity, including those stemming from untreated dental issues like root canal infections, can potentially contribute to systemic health problems. Research suggests a link between oral infections and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.

Financial Costs: Delaying or avoiding root canal treatment may lead to the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future, such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, and tooth replacement.