Can an Emergency Root Canal Save Your Tooth?

If you have unbearable tooth pain, an emergency root canal may be necessary. The pain may be due to severe damage or a bad infection. If not treated right away, the damage may be so bad that it overtakes the tooth. In this case, the tooth would need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading. Cleaning out the chamber of the inner tooth can help save it.

Signs that you may need an emergency root canal

A root canal is needed when decay or infection reaches the innermost part of the tooth. Root canals are hollow chambers in the tooth that contain dental nerves and pulp, which include blood vessels and connective tissues. This canal can be prone to infection due to a cracked tooth, severe decay, or infected gums. Because the nerves are affected, they transmit pain and discomfort.

Pain is the most common sign that an emergency root canal may be needed. This pain is often unbearable and prevents one from focusing or sleeping. Other symptoms that indicate damaged nerves include:

  • Severely damaged tooth, such as a crack or fracture, due to trauma
  • Discolored tooth accompanied by sensitivity or pain
  • Pus coming out from the area around the tooth

Root canal procedure

If someone has an infected root canal, there is a chance that the tooth would need to be removed if treatment is not done in time. The procedure consists of several steps and is often completed in two office visits.

Dental dam placement

To begin the emergency root canal, the endodontist places a dental dam around the affected tooth. This isolates the tooth and prevents saliva, which contains bacteria and other contaminants, from getting into the chamber. 

Access cavity creation

The endodontist then creates an opening in the top or back of the tooth, depending on which tooth is being treated. This cavity allows for access to the nerve space.

Chamber content removal

The next step involves cleaning out the root canals. The nerve tissues, pulp, and decayed materials are removed, and then the endodontist will disinfect the area. Next, the canals are enlarged and shaped for the filling material.

Sealing of the tooth

Once the endodontist is sure that there is no more debris in the chamber of the tooth, he or she will seal the tooth. This consists of using a filling material to seal the root canal chambers. A temporary filling is then placed to cover the original opening of the tooth. 

Crown placement

The final step of an emergency root canal is to place a permanent crown. This protects the tooth, prevents further damage, and allows for normal function.

Conclusion

An emergency root canal may be necessary if a tooth is damaged and causing pain. Performing this procedure may also save the tooth from needing to be extracted.

If a tooth is infected or severely damaged, this can result in terrible pain and other unwanted symptoms. If you are in pain, contact our office to see if an emergency root canal may be necessary.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Emergency Root Canal in Lone Tree, CO.

Related Posts

What An Endodontist Does For A Severe Tooth Abscess

An endodontist is a dental specialist who can diagnose and treat a severe dental abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus produced by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can form in different parts of the teeth or mouth for different reasons and generally do not resolve without treatment, often requiring endodontic care.Patients who are…

How An Endodontist Treats Cracked Teeth

Do you have cracked teeth? Read on to learn more about treatment for cracked teeth. Such fractures need the services of an endodontist, a dental professional with many years of experience treating tooth pain and root canals. The American Association of Endodontists points out that timely intervention is important if you wish to save a…

Common Symptoms Of A Tooth Abscess

Identifying a tooth abscess early prevents a painful infection from spreading and protects the long-term health of the smile and the surrounding jawbone. This type of dental concern often creates intense pressure, making it nearly impossible to focus on daily work or get a good night's sleep. That is why a professional evaluation remains the…

Tips For Apicoectomy Recovery And Pain Management

An apicoectomy is a restorative procedure that saves a natural tooth when a standard root canal treatment does not fully resolve an infection at the root tip. While the idea of a root-end surgery sounds complex, the recovery process is often straightforward when a patient follows a clear plan for comfort and healing. Our practice…

Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist

Share
Published by
Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist

Recent Posts

What an Endodontist Does for a Severe Tooth Abscess

An endodontist is a dental specialist who can diagnose and treat a severe dental abscess.

2 weeks ago

How an Endodontist Treats Cracked Teeth

Do you have cracked teeth? Read on to learn more about treatment for cracked teeth.

2 months ago

Common Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Identifying a tooth abscess early prevents a painful infection from spreading and protects the long-term…

3 months ago

Tips for Apicoectomy Recovery and Pain Management

An apicoectomy is a restorative procedure that saves a natural tooth when a standard root…

4 months ago

Root Canals: How Long The Procedure Takes, and How Long They Last

A root canal treats an inflamed or infected tooth pulp while preserving the natural tooth.

5 months ago

3 Reasons Why an Emergency Dentist May Perform a Root Canal

Emergency dentists commonly recommend root canal therapy to address pain at its source while saving…

6 months ago