When Is an Emergency Root Canal Needed?

 

While a root canal isn’t likely to be an emergency, there are instances when it is an emergency treatment. Let’s discuss what root canal therapy entails and when it’s an emergency.

What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a dental procedure that saves a severely infected or decayed tooth. The dentist in Somerset begins by numbing your mouth to lessen pain and discomfort during the procedure. Next, the dentist drills through the tooth and removes the infected pulp tissues and nerves. Then, the tooth is cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected thoroughly to prevent re-infection.
Since removing the decayed materials creates a hole inside the tooth, the dentist fills and seals it for further strength and protection. If the tooth is still weak, the dentist may recommend placing a dental crown for further strength and protection.

Why an Emergency Root Canal is Necessary
Tooth decay happens when plaque and bacteria attack the tooth’s enamel creating a hole. If not treated on time, plaque and bacteria build up in the hole and continue to attack the interior part of the tooth. It infects its blood vessels and nerves once it gets to the tooth’s pulp. You’re likely to experience severe complications such as severe toothaches, abscesses, swelling, and sensitivity in such a case. Most of these symptoms can be severe for a patient to bear and are likely to interfere with their daily routine. For instance, a severe toothache can prevent someone from performing everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, eating, sleeping, and more. 
An emergency root canal is necessary to relieve the symptoms and address the underlying condition when the symptoms are bad enough. Contact our emergency dentist in Somerset, NJ, if you need an emergency root canal treatment.

In general, a root canal near you in a somerset is your last hope of saving a severely decayed tooth. If a root canal treatment isn’t performed, the infection or decay will spread further, leading to tooth loss and infecting the surrounding teeth, gums, and jaw. If the damage is too extensive for a root canal, the alternative is extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant, bridge, or denture.

3 Signs You Need an Emergency Root Canal
Below are common signs you need an emergency root canal near you in Somerset

·        Severe Toothache

Normally, unbearable pain from any part of your body should prompt you to seek emergency treatment. If you experience severe tooth pain, waiting until business or school hours are over might not be an option. The right thing to do is call for emergency services near you or have someone drive you to the nearby ER. An emergency dentist will examine your tooth and symptoms and may recommend an emergency root canal.

·        Pus from a tooth

When a tooth is severely infected, you might notice pus or abscesses around the tooth. Tooth abscesses are serious infections that require emergency care. If not treated in time, the infection will spread to the surrounding teeth, gums, bone, and other body parts such as the heart and brain, leading to further complications. If the dentist thinks the abscess is serious enough, they can perform an emergency root canal to relieve the symptoms and save the tooth.

·        Swelling around the affected tooth

If you’re experiencing severe swelling around a painful tooth, it can signify that you need an emergency root canal. The swelling results from the acidic waste products of decayed pulp tissues. Since pain accompanies the swelling, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care to manage the swelling and treat the tooth.

Final Verdict
If you have a badly infected or damaged tooth, you should seek immediate dental care. You’ll get relief from your symptoms and restore the health and function of your tooth. If you wait too long, you’ll lose the tooth. You risk the infection spreading to the surrounding parts of your mouth and body.
For more information about emergency root canals and endodontics specialists near you in NJ, contact KK Dental.