Emergency Root Canal Treatment
If you’re dealing with unbearable tooth pain, you may need an emergency root canal treatment. A root canal is recommended when there’s an infected or injured tooth in your mouth. Putting off this treatment only worsens the situation and may cause the tooth to die while the infection spreads. In rare cases, an infected tooth may lead to sepsis, a blood infection that can be life-threatening.
To prevent these complications, your dentist may recommend:
✓ A root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) to save the tooth and alleviate pain.
✓ A root canal is a complicated treatment that requires the expertise of a root canal dentist that’s trained for this procedure as it’s easy for things to go wrong.
✓ The sooner you call an emergency endodontist near you, the more likely it is that your tooth will be saved.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment or root canal is a common dental emergency to save a diseased tooth and relieve pain.
If this procedure isn’t performed on time, the tooth may die and will have to be extracted.
Even worse, the infection may spread to other teeth, causing further damage.
When you visit an emergency endodontist for a root canal, the infected pulp will be removed to stop the spread.
The affected tooth will also be cleaned, filled and sealed to protect it from damage or infection in the future.
Signs you may need an emergency root canal
A root canal may be necessary if your tooth is diseased or an injury has occurred. When this happens, you may notice any of the following symptoms.
• Excruciating pain
Tooth pain is never a good sign. If you experience severe pain that makes it hard for you to sleep or focus on tasks, your tooth may be infected or damaged. A root canal can help end the ordeal and bring relief.
• Pus
When a tooth is infected, it may lead to a collection of pus inside the tooth or around the affected area. This may be accompanied with pain in some cases. No matter whether or not you feel pain, call a root canal dentist for help when you notice this symptom.
• Tooth discoloration
If you have a family history of cancer, you’re at a much higher risk of developing cancer due to genetics. If you belong to this category, it’s vital to visit a dentist regularly for screening.
• Injury or damage to a tooth
During an injury or a traumatic incident, a tooth may be pushed out of or into its socket. When this happens, a root canal may be necessary to save it. Crowns can also be used to restore the tooth to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Other signs that you may need a root canal include:
✓ Pain when biting or chewing
✓ Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and food
✓ Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
✓ Loosening of the tooth
✓ Facial swelling
What is involved in a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a straightforward treatment that begins with an examination of your mouth to assess the situation. To determine the extent of the damage, we may use X-rays and electric and thermal testing to determine the status of the affected tooth. We may also perform a cavity test to find out the hollowness and extension of the infection.
Once the diagnosis is complete and we have a complete picture of your situation
✓ We will administer local anesthesia to num the infected tooth and surrounding areas
✓ We make an incision to remove the pulp or remaining tissue from the pulp chamber.
✓ Next, we flush the root canal, disinfect it and shape it to prepare it for root canal filling.
✓ After the root canal filling, we will seal the tooth and place a crown over it.
You will be given an appointment for a visit in the coming days or weeks to ensure there is no more decay.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Emergency root canal treatment might sound scary but it actually isn’t. The reason for the procedure is the unbearable pain you feel. When it’s time for the procedure, the dentist will use local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain. After the procedure, over-the-counter medications may be recommended to minimize pain.
Trying to push the limits of how long you can go without getting a root canal is a bad idea. Not only will this lead to the death of the tooth but the infection may spread to other teeth, putting them at risk of an extraction also. If you notice any of the symptoms above, contact an emergency endodontist near you for help.
