Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

One of the most common restorative dental procedures is a root canal. It treats an infection of the tooth’s pulp, cleaning the affected tissue and filling the cavity with composite. 

We will further present the causes, symptoms, and treatment of a dental issue that needs a root canal procedure, and explain why it is, indeed, a dental emergency. 

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

You will get a root canal when you have an infection inside a tooth, and the dentist needs to remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth in order to save it from an extraction. Extremely decayed teeth that have damaged and exposed pulp will have to be treated immediately, especially if an infection is present.

Signs That You Need a Root Canal

Acute toothache that doesn’t disappear after using over-the-counter painkillers is one of the main signs of a tooth infection. The soft tissue around the tooth will become inflamed, red, and swollen. You may also experience swelling of the entire side of the face. In some cases, the pain can radiate to the ear, throat, or throughout the rest of the head.

Signs of infection include a foul taste or odor that does not go away, fever, and nausea. Infections should be treated right away, as they can extend to other parts of your body and potentially endanger your overall health or, in extreme cases, even your life. 

Preliminary Tests Before a Root Canal

In order to determine if you need a root canal or a different type of dental intervention, the dentist will examine your teeth and mouth, discuss your symptoms with you, and will most likely order x-rays or other images. 

If the outer layers of the tooth are not damaged too much, a root canal will solve the problem and extraction will not be needed. If your case is complicated, the dentist might refer you to an endodontist, a specialist who treats the inside of the teeth. 

How Is a Root Canal Performed?

After the dentist establishes the extent of the damage your pulp and nerve have suffered, they will decide what the best approach is. First of all, you will be administered treatment for the infection. Next, the dentist drills a hole in your tooth to access its inside, then uses tools to remove the infected pulp and nerve, under anesthesia. 

After all the damaged tissue is removed, the dentist will proceed to fill in and seal your tooth with a special composite. 

Contact Us If You Have a Dental Emergency

If you show any signs of a tooth infection, like acute pain, fever, or a swollen face, contact our dental office and request to be seen as soon as possible. We at Academy Dental Care will take you in and treat you immediately. Dr. Thomas O’Shea and his team have extensive experience in dentistry and will decide on the best treatment for your case. Contact us or visit our office.