Posted by 
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that is required when the soft tissue in the center of the tooth, the tooth’s pulp, becomes infected. The process helps repair and save a severely infected tooth. Frequently, root canal treatments are performed on an emergency basis and as promptly as possible to reduce or prevent patient distress and the danger of further complications.
Things To Know About Emergency Root Canal Treatment
1. If you are having a severe toothache and swelling originating from a dead tooth, then you may be recommended an emergency root canal.
Any notable dental pain or chronic discomfort can be a symptom of an infection located within the underlying pulp. Moreover, while it may seem like a minor problem, it can spread and lead to severe complications if not treated immediately.
The infection or damage may occur from a variety of reasons, such as tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, ill-fitted dental appliances, cracks or chips on the tooth, dental trauma, and so on. Often, the causative factor (trauma or decay) won’t result in sudden discomfort or pain unless it has been advancing unchecked for a while.
Beside dental pain, visibly dark tooth, a pinkish bulge in the gum tissue, pulp tissue leaking out of your tooth, puffing in the gum area of the infected tooth, soreness or tenderness in the mouth – all these are symptoms of an underlying infection around or in the root of the tooth.
Only a qualified dental specialist, an endodontist, can conclude whether or not a root canal can adequately resolve your problem. Ignoring your need for emergency treatment can cause the infection to spread to the rest of your mouth quickly.
2. Emergency root canal treatment rids you of your toothache as swiftly as possible.
If your symptoms are severe and causing you excessive discomfort, you may get instant relief from pain if your endodontist can drain the infected tooth or administer necessary antibiotic treatment to eliminate or reduce the pain and swelling.
Related Article: Endodontics – Frequently Asked Questions and Treatments
Once the pain has subsided, your endodontist can proceed to the second stage of treatment – clearing out the root canal (by removing the pulp tissue, organic debris, and other irritants) and sealing the gap with a filling material.The main difference between a regular root canal and an emergency root canal treatment is in how dentists begin the procedure. In an emergency procedure, providing instant relief from dental pain is critical and is, consequently, prioritized.
3. Why is it vital to choose an emergency dentist?
Although the emergency ward of your neighborhood hospital may be well-staffed and in all likelihood has a dentist available, it is recommended you see an emergency dentist who is a specialist in this procedure. 24-hour dental offices that offer emergency root canal therapy have experienced endodontists available in case of emergencies. These dental specialists have extensive experience, knowledge, and skills, in diagnosing and managing disorders and diseases of the tooth pulp and related ailments. They are skilled in performing a proper assessment and accurate diagnosis of the problem and undertaking the best treatment to save your natural tooth.
4. Even though emergent the procedure is almost painless and complication-free.
Contrary to popular belief, the procedure is pain-free. Its primary aim is to provide immediate pain relief. Like all root canal procedures, it starts with the administration of a suitable anesthetic. A small hole is drilled in the chewing surface of the affected tooth. This hole is used to access the canal and aid draining of the infected pulp. Once the diseased soft tissue is removed, and an antibiotic is administered, the intense pain that had necessitated the treatment goes away. Following this, you can expect a comfortable experience during and after your dental appointment.
5. You can save your tooth and avoid the risk of complications through an emergency root canal procedure.
Emergency root canal treatments do not only provide instant pain relief; they help restore tooth in such a manner that it can last just as long as the original and healthy teeth. Orange County Root Canal expert, Dr. Fay Mansouri “By removing dead tissue and clearing, disinfecting and sealing off the inside of the tooth, the endodontist can preserve your natural tooth and protect you from the distress of extraction.
6. An emergency root canal is not expensive.
Most endodontic clinics offer emergency 24×7, around the year at no extra cost. There are no additional charges when you are admitted for an emergency root canal. Ideally, you will pay the same amount as you would for a regular root canal. However, the exact cost for this procedure varies depending on your condition and the particular clinic.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endodontic_therapy
- http://irvineendodontist.com/
- http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/root-canals.aspx