If you’re hit with strong, unforeseen tooth pain, you might first wonder whether an emergency root canal is in your immediate future. Many dread this procedure, but it’s often what’s between you and the kind of tooth loss you’ve probably thought was a thing of the past. An emergency root canal isn’t much different from the version seen in most operational forecasts; it’s just done under emergency conditions. Why? Because it’s vital to the maintenance of your tooth in such a way that it doesn’t hurt and isn’t likely to fail.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal treats infection in the pulp of a tooth. The pulp, located at the centre of a tooth, is made up of nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected due to tooth decay, injury, or a crack in the tooth, it may cause an unbearable amount of pain and swelling. If the tooth in question is not treated quickly and appropriately, the infection may worsen and spread, possibly leading to the formation of an abscess or the total loss of the tooth.
When is an Emergency Root Canal Necessary?
While not all toothaches need a root canal, there are signs that indicate the need for an emergency root canal. When it comes to severe tooth pain, there’s no reason to suffer. If you’re experiencing persistent, throbbing pain that amps up with pressure or while you’re eating, this is the clearest sign that you might soon be needing a canal for that tooth.
Another sign to watch for is swelling and tenderness either around the tooth itself or in the gums above or below the tooth. This swelling, if it’s painful or sensitive to touch (as if it’s bruised), is a very clear sign that you need to see someone ASAP, likely before your next checkup. The kind of swelling that occurs here is also almost guaranteed to have a woodsy or swampy accompanying odor. This is no good! If you’re feeling as if your tooth has become much more odorous than it was previously, get to someone who knows about teeth pronto!
What to Expect During the Procedure
The idea of a root canal often inspires fear, but modern methods make the procedure quick and comfortable. Here’s what happens:
- Assessment: First of all, your dentist will make a judgement call. “Do I need to go through this?” you might wonder. After assessing your symptoms, 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. It’s not like we enjoy the thought of someone drilling into our dental nerves. Left untreated, a pus-filled pocket forms at the end of the tooth root. You may or may not experience pain. But you will be dead to rights if abscessing, and your tooth may be saved by performing the root canal procedure.
- Local Anaesthesia: Hearing all this, you might feel a shiver go down your spine, but thank your lucky stars for local anaesthesia. Once completely numbed, you will be blissfully unaware of anything going on in your mouth.
Aftercare and Recovery
It’s typical to feel some sensitivity or slight discomfort for a few days after the procedure. An over-the-counter pain reliever is usually sufficient to manage this. Your dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions and will let you know if there are any special considerations related to eating or oral hygiene. The dentist will also tell you when to come back for follow-up appointments, if any are needed.
The Importance of Timely Treatment
Putting off a root canal can mean several things for your health and well-being. It can result in severe infections that might spread into other areas of your body, something that actually has happened to people in the past when they had really bad dental infections. You might facially swell up in pain and agony, and you will definitely face the prospect of a tooth that will crumble to pieces if you don’t take care of it and the root canal maths that goes along with it.
Conclusion
While it might sound somewhat scary, the “emergency” root canal is, in fact, a highly effective way to save a tooth—it and the modern “routine” root canal share the same excellent prognosis. If you are experiencing any of the signs that might suggest you are a candidate for one of these procedures, you should seek dental care without delay. Once again, this is a situation in which early intervention can make a big difference in any number of your dental scenarios—not to mention your comfort.