Refusing a Root Canal – Is a Simple Filling Enough to Save Your Tooth?

If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you might be wondering if you can simply refuse it and get a filling instead. The short answer: it depends on the condition of your tooth. 

A dental filling only works when decay hasn’t reached the inner pulp of the tooth. Once infection sets in, a root canal is usually the only way to save the tooth. Refusing it could mean ongoing pain, spreading infection, or eventually losing the tooth altogether.

Why a Filling May Not Be Enough

Fillings repair surface-level cavities by replacing the decayed part of the tooth. But if bacteria have already reached the pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels live), a filling won’t stop the infection. In fact, covering it up could make things worse because the infection is trapped inside.

What Happens If You Skip a Root Canal

• Pain may continue or get worse
• Infection can spread to gums, bone, or even other teeth
• You may need an extraction later, which can be more complex (and costly)

You can refuse a root canal, but your dentist will likely explain that a filling won’t fix the problem if the tooth is infected. In most cases, it’s root canal or tooth extraction.

Talking openly with your dentist about fears, costs, and alternatives is the best way to make a confident decision.