An emergency root canal is a treatment used when the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) becomes infected or inflamed. This is common when people have bottomless holes or cracks in their teeth. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause intense pain, swelling, and, in some cases, abscesses. 

A root canal is a procedure that helps save the tooth and prevent future problems. It is a necessary procedure that eliminates pain and discomfort, aiming to preserve the tooth’s function. Understanding the signs that indicate the need for a root canal can help prevent further complications and ensure timely treatment.

When Do You Need an Emergency Root Canal?

Knowing the symptoms, you should seek emergency root canal treatment, which can be instrumental in maintaining your oral health. Here are typical signs you need a root canal:

1. Severe Tooth Pain:

An infected tooth might also signal that you are experiencing endless throbbing pain from which there is no escape. If it feels worse when you chew, poke the tooth, or lie on your side, this could mean the pulp inside your tooth is injured and requires a root canal.

2. Swollen or Tender Gums:

Swelling around a tooth that is affected with an infected pulp. If the gums are red, swollen, and tender to the touch, an emergency root canal would be necessary to stop the infection from worsening.

3. Hot or Cold Sensitivity:

If you experience extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, particularly after the stimulus is removed, this could be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected.

4. Dark or Stained Tooth

If one tooth is darker than its neighbors, it may mean the pulp is dead. If this occurs after trauma or long-term tooth pain, a root canal is usually needed.

5. Bump on the Gums:

If there is a bump on the gums next to the bad tooth, it could be a dental abscess. The abscess can allow pus to accumulate, and an emergency treatment known as a root canal is necessary to head off the infection.

What is the Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal follows a few steps. This is the process that will help get rid of the infected pulp and save your tooth. Here’s what you need to know about what happens during the process:

Diagnosis and X-Rays

Before beginning, the dentist will also review X-rays to determine how far an infection has spread. This will allow us to determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment and the extent to which a disease has spread into surrounding tissues.

Numbing the Area

Local anesthesia is administered to help prevent discomfort during the root canal procedure. This renders the technique more comfortable for the patient and less painful.

Removal of Infected Pulp

When the numbness takes effect, it drills into your tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Decay or infection is removed from the pulp, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to seal it.

Sealing the Tooth

Once the pulp is extracted, the interior of the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material. That stuff helps form a cap over the tooth to seal it off and prevent new infections. Sometimes a crown is added to the tooth for extra strength and coverage.

Recovery After a Root Canal

While root canal treatment can provide immediate pain relief, recovery may take a few days. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery period:

Pain and Discomfort

It is not unusual to feel mild discomfort in the days following your procedure. Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help manage the pain.

Swelling and Sensitivity

There may be some swelling in the area of the treated tooth. A cold compress can reduce swelling. You may also experience pressure sensitivity or biting discomfort, which should dissipate within a few days.

Follow-Up Visits

After root canal care, you’ll need to visit your dentist for another checkup to ensure the tooth is healing properly. If a crown has been inserted, the dentist will verify that it fits and functions as expected.

Fast Relief and Expert Care!

An emergency root canal is required when the pulp, either due to an infection or trauma, becomes inflamed and can cause intense pain or lead to other oral issues. If you have any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to see a good dentist right away to save your natural tooth.

Don’t let a toothache or other dental discomfort get in the way of your life. For dental services in Colorado Springs, contact Pinnacle Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and learn more about root canals and aftercare. 

When you need relief and want to keep your smile, make an appointment with Pinnacle Dentistry!