When to Seek Emergency Root Canal Treatment

Tooth pain is one of the most unbearable experiences. It can prevent you from eating, drinking, and speaking normally, and it considerably impacts your daily life. When that happens, reaching out to our family dental in Montgomery may be the only solution to avoid stress, relieve pain, and restore the health of your mouth.  

You can prevent the need for a root canal by brushing your teeth after meals, flossing every day, and scheduling routine dental exams. But if the pain is already on your doorstep, reaching out to a professional may be the only solution. Here’s how you can identify if that’s your case.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Can it Become an Emergency?

Endodontic therapy, commonly known as root canal, treats infections in the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of the teeth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, root canals are among the most common dental procedures performed annually in the US, with approximately 15 million performed.

The pulp is composed of blood vessels and nerves and is found in the middle of teeth. Pulpitis, the term for pulp infection, can result in excruciating pain and swelling.

The infection may grow worse and spread if the affected tooth is not given prompt and effective treatment, which could result in the development of an abscess or the complete loss of the tooth. Getting prompt treatment is key. The root canal procedure is painless, but you might feel pain afterward.

Your tooth pulp may come under bacterial attack if:

• You require treatment for a deep cavity you have.
• Your tooth pulp is infected with bacteria from plaque if your tooth is broken or cracked.

An infection's pain is frequently the first sign that a root canal procedure might be necessary. However, if the symptoms are too severe, it might be deemed an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

10 Signs You May Need an Emergency Root Canal Treatment

Although root canals are very common, not every toothache means there’s a need for one. However, these are some warning indicators that might call for prompt attention.

1. Severe Tooth Pain

Severe and ongoing tooth pain is one of the main signs that you need help right away. If the pain is unbearable, particularly when you bite or press on the tooth, it may indicate an infection that needs to be treated immediately.

2. Swelling and Abscesses

The appearance of an abscess or bump coupled with swelling around the gum line may be signs of an infection that has affected the tissues nearby. Getting dental care as soon as possible is essential because delaying treatment can result in more serious issues.  

In addition, be aware of any pimples on your gums. An infected tooth may cause pus-filled boils or pimples on your gums.

3. Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Although sensitivity to heat or cold is common, severe and persistent sensitivity that lasts long after the stimulus is removed may indicate nerve damage. Seeking an immediate professional evaluation is advised if this sensitivity interferes with your day-to-day activities.

4. Discoloration of the Tooth

A tooth that has become brown, gray, or dark yellow may indicate decay or internal damage. Discoloration could indicate that the pulp inside the tooth is damaged and needs to be treated immediately to prevent further damage.

5. Painful and Swollen Gums

If you experience pain, redness, and swelling in your gums, it could mean that an infection is entering the root canal system. It may be necessary to act quickly to stop the infection's spread and prevent more serious harm.

6. Swollen Jaw

Infections on teeth that do not go away can also cause swelling in your jaw. Make sure to reach out to a dental professional promptly to avoid potential complications from the spreading infection.

7. Recent Trauma or Injury

If you have recently suffered a mouth injury, such as a fall or an incident involving sports, it is imperative to seek dental attention as soon as possible. Trauma may result in fractures or damage to the nerve of the tooth, requiring emergency care.

8. High Fever

A severe dental infection may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and generalized feeling of illness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms along with dental pain, it may indicate that the infection has spread considerably.

9. Pressure Hurts

If your tooth hurts when you eat or touch it, the nerves surrounding the tooth pulp may have been harmed.

10. Loose Tooth

Your tooth may feel loose because the bones supporting it may become softer due to pus from an infected tooth pulp.

What to Expect During the Root Canal Procedure

The idea of a root canal often inspires fear, but modern methods make the procedure quick and comfortable.

1. First, your dentist will assess the situation and make a judgment call. Your dentist might take a few X-rays to confirm that the pulp inside your tooth has become infected and that a root canal is your best option.
2. Once the need for a root canal has been confirmed, we’ll schedule an appointment.
3. During your appointment, local anesthesia is applied to the area. We’ll eliminate all infected pulp, clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals, and fill it with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
4. Then, we’ll seal your tooth with a temporary dental filling. This is necessary to ensure all the infected teeth have been removed and to disinfect the area properly.

The permanent crown will be placed between two weeks and a month later.

The Importance of Timely Treatment

Delaying a root canal can have several negative effects on your health and general well-being. It can cause serious infections that could spread to other parts of your body. In fact, people who have had extremely serious dental infections in the past have experienced this.

Failing to take care of your tooth and getting a root canal treatment when needed can leave you in pain. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up losing a tooth. So, reach out to a dental professional to prevent further complications and restore your oral health.

For the Best in Family Dental, Montgomery Residents Can Visit Our Practice

Making educated decisions about your oral health depends on knowing when urgent treatment is required. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, discoloration, or any other worrisome symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local dentist.

Reach out to Parkside Dental Care and schedule an appointment!