Emergency Root Canal Procedure

Patients may visit a dentist for a root canal for various reasons. Sometimes, a dentist may detect a problem with a tooth, but the procedure can wait for a few weeks or even longer. However, in more serious cases, it may be necessary for the root canal professional to act immediately. If you have a tooth with significant infection or decay in the root or nerves, emergency endodontic treatment can help clear out the problem. Extreme pain and discomfort could be the first sign that there is trouble. Your dentist can use effective techniques to take care of the matter.

Goals of endodontic treatment

Many patients visit the dentist and discover they have a cavity or two. Though this is not welcome news, the process to clean out the affected teeth is usually simple. However, a filling is not sufficient when there is more pronounced damage and when the pulp chamber is affected. This area contains the nerves, blood vessels and tissue, which are essential for the tooth’s health. Endodontic treatment allows the dentist to remove the infection from the area and keep it from spreading and getting worse. This procedure can save the tooth and stop the dentist from having to pull out it.

Signs that a root canal is necessary

Occasional tooth pain is not unusual, but infrequent discomfort alone does mean this treatment will be necessary. It is important for patients to understand when it may be time to visit the dental office for a procedure. The longer a person waits to address any infection or extreme decay, the worse the condition will become. Infection may even spread to surrounding teeth. Abscesses could also form. Here are some signals that a person needs endodontic attention:

• Significant tooth pain while chewing
• Swollen, tender gums
• Discoloration of teeth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold

Scheduling an emergency appointment

Dental professionals recommend that people get checkups and exams every six months. These appointments could identify the need for a root canal. If the patient feels any symptoms of decay or infection in between these visits, they should make an additional appointment. Many dental offices are willing and able to accommodate patient for emergency needs. This includes after-hours visits and weekend appointments.

The process

During an emergency endodontic treatment appointment, the dentist will take X-rays of the mouth and will exam the area. Next, the dentist will numb the patient’s mouth with a local anesthetic. The root canal professional will drill into the tooth down to the pulp and will remove it along with any decay. There will be an injection of medication to kill the infection as well. Afterward, the dentist will seal the tooth and may place a crown over it. Expect a follow-up visit in the coming days or weeks to make sure there is no more decay.

Do not put a root canal appointment off

When there is an infection in the pulp of the tooth, the pain can be unbearable. Still, some people procrastinate making an appointment for treatment out of fear or anxiety. This is not a smart idea. Call your dentist today if you experience any signs of infection or extreme decay in any tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.

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