Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Root canals are commonly performed in dentistry when a tooth has become severely decayed or damaged, but do you know if they’re considered a dental emergency? Read on in this blog from A Street Dental to look out for the signs of an infection and why you should never forego a root canal if your dentist tells you that you need one.

What Is a Root Canal For?

Root Canal Therapy is a restorative treatment used to repair and restore the health of an infected tooth. This is needed when the tooth’s inside layer known as the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. 

Typically this is caused by tooth decay that hasn’t been treated but it can also be caused by dental trauma that disturbs the inside of the tooth. By removing the dental pulp, we can relieve the infection and pain that comes along with it. 

The canals in the tooth are also cleaned and shaped and then we fill the tooth back up with a material called gutta-percha. A crown may be used to protect the tooth from further damage now that it is more vulnerable.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are issues that occur with your dental health as a result of trauma, decay, or gum disease which require immediate treatment. Common dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, uncontrollable bleeding, signs of infection, and loose or severely damaged teeth. 

If you’re not sure if something is a dental emergency, ask yourself, can this problem wait for the next available dental appointment, and am I in extreme pain or discomfort? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you should call us right away. We offer same-day, after-hours, and weekend emergency appointments.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal

If you haven’t guessed by now, a root canal certainly qualifies as a dental emergency. Tooth infections cause severe pain, facial swelling, and abscesses, and get worse as time goes on. If left untreated, it can have serious health implications. 

The infection cannot be cured on its own and requires either a root canal treatment or an extraction. If left alone without intervention, the infection will spread to other teeth and throughout the body. If the infection spreads to your bloodstream, it can cause a fatal case of sepsis.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

The most common signs that you need a root canal include having severe tooth pain, facial or gum swelling, tooth discoloration, tooth sensitivity that continues after having hot or cold foods/drinks, and a damaged or chipped tooth, especially if there is an exposed root. 

However, the best way to know if you need a root canal is to come in for a consultation. Not all tooth infections cause severe tooth pain. Sometimes tooth pain may occur initially but disappear because the nerve has died.

This is why it’s important to keep an eye on your teeth, practice good oral hygiene, and attend regular dental appointments. Before you get to your appointment, you can manage the pain by taking anti-inflammatory pain medication, swishing a saline solution around your mouth, and applying an ice pack to reduce the swelling.

Schedule An Emergency Root Canal Today!

If you need a root canal, then you qualify for an emergency dental appointment. It’s important to treat infections and severe dental trauma as soon as possible to prevent complications and relieve pain. Contact us at A Street Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blake Anderson.