Finding out you need an emergency root canal might feel nerve-wracking. Yet it’s surprisingly common. According to the American Association of Endodontists, fifteen million Americans have this treatment each year.
So it’s tried and tested, with many Colorado Springs patients enjoying the pain-free experience of a repaired tooth root.
To help prepare you for this treatment, we’ve compiled this guide to explain how it works. Read on to discover when you might need an emergency root canal and what to expect during and after the procedure.
When You Need an Emergency Root Canal
Most of us concern ourselves with protecting our enamel and fighting off plaque. Yet, the internal structure of a tooth can cause considerable pain and problems.
Inside the tooth is a soft pulp. It’s tissue, and it contains nerves and blood vessels. If the outer layer of a tooth (the enamel) becomes severely damaged, the problem may extend to the pulp.
The nerves in this part of the tooth cause the telltale throbbing of an intensely painful toothache. Other situations can expose the inner pulp, too, like a cracked tooth or other accidental trauma.
If you experience this tooth pain, emergency dental care is a must. It’s preventative as it could help stop the damage from escalating. For example, an untreated tooth could become infected, leading to an abscess.
That type of infection also puts our body and other teeth at risk. It’s also incredibly painful; you may find it too hard to go about your typical day.
Recognizing the Symptoms
It’s crucial you know the signs of tooth damage requiring an emergency root canal. The most common symptom is a severe toothache.
That might happen when eating (like applying pressure to the sore tooth). You may also find your teeth are unusually sensitive to hot and cold food.
A dark or discolored tooth is also a warning sign. It could mean a problem is happening in the teeth’ innermost part.
Look for swelling around the gums or pain and discomfort in the gum around the problem tooth. It could point to an issue with the pulp.
In all these cases, make an emergency appointment with your dentist so they can run a complete examination and diagnose the problem. Taking quick action gives you the best chance of preserving your tooth and oral health.
The First Step of Emergency Root Canal: An Initial Consultation
If you have one or more symptoms of pulp damage in the tooth, it’s time to meet with a dentist. This session will be your initial consultation.
It’s the time when the dentist will examine your mouth and suggest the best course of action. Their priority will be to help prevent complications and ease any toothache you may be experiencing.
The dentist may tap the tooth or ask the patient to demonstrate their bite during this first consultation. This step helps assess the pain, including narrowing down the likely source.
Next, the dentist will order X-rays. These are usually taken on the same day. The dentist will review these dental X-rays to check the inner structure of the teeth.
It will show the root canals and help spot problems like infection, decay, or abscess. That will help the dentist assess the extent of the damage and whether root canal treatment is the best option.
While you may be eager to resolve the issue without delay, this initial consultation is vital to ensure you get the most appropriate solution to tooth pain.
The Procedure: Step by Step
It’s helpful to understand the root canal procedure in detail. It will help you mentally prepare, leaving you more relaxed during the treatment. Here are the steps.
Anesthesia
On the day of your procedure, a dental team will administer anesthesia. That will ensure you are comfortable throughout and do not experience any pain. However, you may still feel pressure or movement.
They will ask you before the anesthesia about any known allergies. Ensure you provide your complete medical background.
The most common way of administering anesthesia is with a needle. However, if you have a needle phobia, alternatives like gas or sedation exist. Speak to your dentist beforehand to ask about options.
Placement of the Dental Dam
A dentist will check that the tooth and surrounding area is fully numb before starting the treatment.
This next stage involves placing a dental dam around the tooth. It’s a rubber or plastic sheet that keeps the space dry. It helps protect the rest of the teeth from debris during the procedure.
Opening the Tooth
The dentist will create a gap in the top of the tooth using various dental tools. This stage removes the area beneath the affected pulp. It allows the dentist to access the inner part of the tooth, causing problems.
Removing the Pulp
Once the dentist has access to the pulp, they will remove the affected tissue. This step is vital as it will take away any bacteria to reduce the risk of further infection and damage.
It’s a cleaning routine, and the dentist will use a series of files to clear space in the tooth’s canals to enlarge and shape it. They’ll also use an antiseptic solution to help remove any remaining traces of bacteria.
Filling
Next, the dentist will fill the canal spaces inside the tooth’s root. They use a biocompatible solution that’s safe for the inner part of the tooth and seal it to prevent further bacteria from entering the space.
This step is vital because a small amount of bacteria in the newly cleaned root could cause ongoing infection or pain.
Tooth Filling
Once the dentist has completed the root canal work, they’ll add a filling to the opening of the tooth to protect and reshape it. This method is similar to a standard dental filling you may receive if you have a tooth cavity.
Crowns
The dentist may also suggest adding a crown to the tooth depending on the size and shape of the damage.
This restoration provides a more pleasing cosmetic appearance and gives you a better bite and strength to the tooth. However, a dentist will generally fit the crown at a separate appointment.
Timescales
A root canal treatment is relatively complex. Therefore, the complete treatment will take longer than a regular dental appointment.
A straightforward front tooth treatment could take 30-60 minutes. However, a molar will take longer as the root canals are more complex. Expect these treatments to take between 1-2 hours.
It’s worth speaking to your dentist at your initial consultation about how long they expect the treatment to take so that you can plan your appointment.
How to Manage Pain and Phobias During Root Canal Treatment
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about pain before any dental treatment. However, you must remember that the dentist procedures are there to help alleviate long-term tooth pain.
Modern dentistry understands patients’ concerns about pain. They can apply a topical anesthetic to the gum before injecting the area with anesthetic. That makes you less likely to feel the needle.
You can also practice breathing and mindfulness techniques during a treatment to help distract you from the physical sensation. Some patients like to listen to music, too.
If you have a phobia about dental treatments, tell your dentist. Many have experience with nervous patients, and they can offer strategies to help you, like sedation.
Explaining your fears will allow the dentist to find ways to support you. Remember, they will have had other similar patients with many varied reactions to dental treatment.
What to Expect Post-Procedure
The first 48 hours after a root canal treatment are the most important. Here is what to expect and how to care for your teeth during this period.
Schedule a Follow-Up
The first thing you should do before leaving the dental surgery is to schedule a follow-up appointment.
You will need this to replace temporary fillings with permanent ones or for a crown fitting. It will also ensure the dentist can check the success of your root canal.
Pain Management
You shouldn’t experience severe pain after an emergency root canal treatment. However, it’s normal to have some mild pain or discomfort.
Before your treatment, buy some over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen. It will help you manage the pain.
Your dentist may prescribe you another pain relief. If you feel you need this, speak to them. Always follow the instructions on the medicine leaflet on dosages.
Swelling
Some patients find that the area around the treatment becomes swollen. You may see this around the gums or with a slightly enlarged cheek. Use a cold compress to manage the swelling and help ease the discomfort.
If you are concerned about the size of the swelling or feel it’s getting worse, make another emergency appointment with your dentist.
Eat a Special Diet
The mouth area will feel tender, so adjust your diet for at least 24 hours after your treatment or longer if needed. Avoid hot drinks and tough, chewy food like meat.
That’s particularly important if you have a temporary filling, as hard food could dislodge it. Don’t eat anything that could get stuck between your teeth, such as sweetcorn.
Stick to soft foods like soups or vegetable stews. Remember to avoid alcohol if you are taking pain medication.
Cleaning
You must maintain excellent oral hygiene after your treatment.
Brush twice a day as usual. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning, and continue with any flossing routine. But avoid disturbing the area around the filling or new crown.
Exercise
It’s worth avoiding high-impact exercise immediately after your treatment. That will help to rest your body and manage any pain. Too much blood flow to the tooth could leave you with more aches and tenderness.
Stay Vigalent
Complications are rare. But you should always err on the side of caution if you are worried about the after-effects of a root canal.
If your pain is intense or you have ongoing swelling or a potential allergic reaction, treat the issue as an emergency and call your dental team.
Also, remember that we all take different lengths of time to recover from treatments. If you need longer than 48 hours to return to your daily routine, take that extra time.
Long-Term Care
A root canal needs careful long-term care to protect the area and ensure you experience no further damage, like decay.
Maintaining a proper cleaning and flossing routine is the first step to ensure your tooth remains in excellent condition. You should also make a regular dental appointment to allow your dentist to check the tooth.
That will be a physical examination, but they may also take X-rays. That ensures they spot any potentially worrying signs as early as possible. Keep monitoring any signs of pain or discomfort in the area.
Don’t try and fix an issue like this with painkillers. It’s a sign that the tooth needs a professional check. So, book an appointment for any pain or swelling in or around the tooth.
Are There Any Potential Complications from Root Canal?
A root canal is a relatively standard procedure, but occasionally complications can happen.
If the canal space continues to hold bacteria, this can grow and create an infection or abscess. There is a small risk that the filling or crown can dislodge, exposing your inner tooth.
If that happens, you must make an emergency appointment with your dentist. You should also check for signs of tooth discoloration. Though it’s not common, it could signal underlying issues, requiring a check-up with your dentist.
Emergency Root Canal: Preparing Yourself for Treatment
The technical elements of an emergency root canal might seem complex. However, dentists carry out this treatment in the US every day. It’s one that’s helped millions of patients and could be the best treatment for you.
If you have any of the symptoms outlined in the article, book an appointment with one of our professionals at Pinnacle Dentistry.
Our team has a wealth of experience and can help find a solution for painful dental problems. Take that first step now by booking via this appointment request form.
