Experiencing sudden, severe tooth pain can be alarming and uncomfortable. This pain sometimes indicates the need for an emergency root canal. We understand the urgency and distress at King Street Dental Centre’s dental emergencies. You can follow this blog to learn what to do if you require root canal therapy immediately.
Understanding Root Canal Emergencies
When the pulp, which houses blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth, becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal procedure is required. Deep decay, multiple dental procedures, or a chip or crack in the tooth can all cause it. Common symptoms include:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- Darkening of the tooth
- Persistent pimples on the gums
Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency
Identify the Problem: Recognize the symptoms. If you experience severe, continuous pain, especially if accompanied by swelling or sensitivity, it’s crucial to seek immediate dental care.
Call King Street Dental Centre: Contact our office as soon as possible. Our squad is trained to handle dental emergencies and will prioritize your case to provide prompt treatment.
Manage Pain and Swelling: While waiting for your appointment, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to manage your pain. You can also put a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help with swelling.
Avoid Certain Foods: To prevent making the pain worse, avoid hot and cold foods and drinks, and do not chew on the side of your mouth that is hurting.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss gently to keep the area clean. It can help prevent further infection.
What to Expect During an Emergency Root Canal
To ascertain the extent of the infection or damage, our dental professionals at King Street Dental Centre will perform a comprehensive examination on your arrival, frequently involving X-rays. The root canal process involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: Your comfort will be ensured by numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic.
Cleaning the Canal: The dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp of the tooth after making an opening in it. The canals inside the tooth are then cleaned and disinfected.
Filling the Canal: To seal the canals and stop further infection, a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, is poured into them after cleaning.
Restoration: Ultimately, a filling or crown protects the tooth and gives it back its full functionality.
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-procedure care is essential to ensure proper healing and long-term success of the root canal. Follow these tips:
Take Prescribed Medications: If antibiotics or pain relievers are prescribed, take them as directed.
Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: To avoid further damage, you should wait to chew on your treated tooth until it is completely covered with a crown.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: To keep your mouth clean, use an antibacterial mouthwash and brush and floss regularly.
Follow-up: Attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and discuss concerns with your dentist.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the possibility of subsequently requiring a root canal:
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit King Street Dental Centre for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Good Oral Hygiene: Use fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and brush at least twice daily.
Protect Your Teeth: If you participate in sports, use a mouthguard and refrain from biting into intricate items like pens or ice.
An emergency root canal can be a daunting experience, but at King Street Dental Centre, our goal is to give you the best care possible to get you out of pain and restore your oral health. If you suspect you need a root canal, don’t wait—contact us immediately to schedule an appointment. Your dental health is our top priority, and we’re here to help you smile again without pain.
