An emergency root canal can be a lifesaver when you find yourself dealing with unbearable tooth pain. This is often the result of a severely damaged tooth with a compromised pulp chamber. It can also be from an infection that has made its way to the pulp and nerve.
Many things can damage a tooth and leave the pulp chamber compromised. These include tooth decay, trauma from an accident or an infection. A compromised pulp might not immediately lead to pain when it first occurs, but if the tooth is not treated, the pain can eventually become unbearable.
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is commonly portrayed as a painful dental procedure. However, this is not the case. When you have an infected tooth, the dentist needs to remove the damaged tissue to stop the infection from spreading. This procedure also takes away the pain associated with this infection.
Your dentist will flush out the tooth roots and the tooth pulp, leaving the tooth in place. They will ensure it is completely disinfected and then seal the void with a long-lasting barrier material. You may get a filling or crown to keep the tooth intact and secure. The procedure usually takes one to two hours.
Common signs that you need an emergency root canal
1. Unbearable pain
Unbearable pain will prompt anyone to seek emergency dental services. The pain caused by a compromised pulp chamber is nothing like a regular toothache. It makes it impossible for you to get any sleep or focus on tasks.
When this occurs, waiting until the next business day is often not an option. You will want immediate relief from your ordeal. An emergency dentist will look over your teeth and may recommend you receive an emergency root canal.
2. Pus coming from a tooth
When a tooth is infected, pus might come out of the area around the tooth. This is a clear sign of an infection and that emergency care is needed. While an infected tooth can be easily treated in its early stages, waiting too long to treat it can have horrible consequences. The infection can lead to the loss of the tooth as well as spread to other areas of the body like the heart and brain. If your dentist thinks you cannot wait any longer, they will perform an emergency root canal to save the tooth.
3. A severely damaged tooth
If a tooth has been severely damaged by trauma, it might require a root canal to stop you from losing it. Because this damage often reaches the pulp, you will typically experience pain and discomfort when anything touches the tooth.
A root canal can be used to remove the pulp and nerves. This eliminates the pain, and your dentist will then use a crown to restore the tooth’s appearance.
4. Tooth discoloration
A discolored tooth can be a sign that the nerves of a tooth have been damaged. If the discoloration is associated with pain or sensitivity to hot and cold things, a root canal is probably needed to save it. Much like a chipped or cracked tooth, a yellow tooth can be restored with a crown.
Get Fast Relief With An Emergency Root Canal
Tooth pain is not something you can ignore. A minor ache that does not go away can turn into a nightmare scenario. To avoid long-term damage, you can get an emergency root canal at our Mount Druitt dentist. All our dentists are highly trained and skilled and we offer same day emergency root canal treatment. Schedule an appointment to get our dentist’s advice on the best way to treat your tooth or call us on (02) 9055 1735.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that aims to save a damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp tissue, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth and removing the pulp tissue containing nerves and blood vessels from the root canal.
2. What Are the Common Signs That You Need an Emergency Root Canal?
The common signs that you may need an emergency root canal include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums, and a small bump on the gums near the affected tooth. Other symptoms may include fever, bad breath, or a foul taste in the mouth.
3. Why is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay, trauma, or other factors. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bone, leading to serious complications, such as abscesses, bone loss, and tooth loss.
4. What Can I Expect During and After a Root Canal Treatment?
During a root canal treatment, your dentist will numb the affected area with local anesthesia and make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. They will then remove the damaged or infected pulp tissue, clean the root canal, and fill it with gutta-percha. After the procedure, you may experience discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet.
5. How to Get Fast Relief With An Emergency Root Canal?
If you have severe tooth pain or other symptoms of a dental emergency, it’s important to seek prompt treatment from a dentist. Mount Druitt Dental Care offers emergency root canal treatments to provide fast relief and prevent further complications. During your emergency appointment, our skilled dentists will assess your condition, take X-rays if necessary, and recommend the best treatment to save your tooth and alleviate your pain.
