Emergency Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Procedure, and Recovery Guide

Have you awoken to a toothache so severe that your entire face seems to be pulsating?  This is frequently notification that you require immediate help from your dentist to perform a root canal.  In an Emergency Root Canal Treatment procedure, your dentist will treat the infection or damage deep within the tooth, thus preserving your tooth from being extracted as well as alleviating your discomfort immediately.  A root canal is an emergency dental treatment method for sudden dental problems that allows you to return to your normal routine quickly.

How Can a Root Canal Become an Emergency?

When you have continuous sharp pain, swelling in your face or gums, and sensitivity to hot or cold, these can point to inflammation of the nerve or infection of the pulp.  Generally, these pulp infections are caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, or damage to the tooth that allows bacteria to reach the nerve (pulp).  If left untreated, these infections can spread to the jaw and/or into your body and cause more serious health problems.  If none of your over-the-counter medications are providing you relief from the pain or you have noticed drainage (pus) or have a temperature, you are in dire need of immediate dental intervention.

How This Works:

Local anesthesia yields a pain-free process.

●     A small hole is drilled in the top of your tooth to get at the tooth nerve, or pulp, inside.

●     The dentist will remove the infection and debris (dead nerves) from the root canals (there could be between one and four) of the tooth.

●     The dentist will use antiseptics to clean and prepare the root canals so they will accept filling material.

●     After cleaning, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material such as gutta-percha to seal the space in the tooth and prevent contamination from bacteria or other agents.

●     Finally, the dentist will place a temporary restoration on your tooth. This restoration will protect your tooth until a more permanent restoration can be placed later.

Most root canal procedures take place in one visit. The average visit lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and you can go home once your appointment is over.

Why should I have a root canal?

You want to retain your natural tooth; keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite, facial structure, and smile; plus, it will eliminate the need to have a replacement done in the future. Studies show that root canals have a success rate of over 90%, primarily if performed before the ILD condition worsens. Root canals are typically performed by general dentists. Specialists are considered in more difficult cases and, therefore, may be assigned to do root canals.

Conclusion

Brushing and flossing daily can work wonders, as well as regular visits to your dentist to check for any decay. Mouth guards during physical activities, as well as avoiding chewing ice or hard candy, can also help. Small cavities caught early will prevent emergencies.​ Experiencing severe tooth pain? Call your dentist or endodontist today for Emergency Root Canal Treatment services.