At 701 Dental, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best preventative advice and education, so they can make educated decisions when it comes to their oral health. Today we’ll answer a question that we get a lot regarding root canal: Is a Root Canal Considered an Emergency?
Does a Root Canal Count as a Dental Emergency?
The short answer is yes —a root canal can be considered an emergency.
You see, a root canal entails carefully removing an inflamed or infected nerve tissue in the center of the tooth. When this infected nerve tissue isn’t treated, it can cause excruciating pain and swelling in the tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gum tissue. Ignoring the problem can also cause additional damage to the teeth and supporting structures, leading to expensive restorative treatments that may not always be successful.
As such, it's a necessary procedure that should not be ignored due to its potential for causing further complications if not addressed.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Now that we've established that a root canal can be considered an emergency, the next step is to identify the signs that indicate you may require this procedure.
Here are a few of the major telltale signs:
- Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to your teeth
- Pain when eating hot/cold foods or drinks
- Sensitivity that lingers even after the stimulus has been removed
- Tenderness and swelling of the gums around the affected area
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected area
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than one or two days, be sure to contact your dentist for an appointment.
The Root Canal Process
When you come visit us at 701 Dental, our Bismarck dentists will first evaluate your teeth with x-rays and other imaging techniques in order to determine whether or not a root canal is necessary.
If a root canal therapy is needed , they’ll numb the area around the infected tooth before drilling into it to remove any infected pulp from inside the tooth chamber. They will then fill in the empty chamber with medication before sealing off the opening with a filling material like composite resin or porcelain crowns.
Afterward, they’ll prescribe check-ups every 6 months for optimal oral health maintenance!
Don’t Wait! Book an Appointment Today!
At 701 Dental, we want all our patients to feel welcome and cared for. We offer convenient hours and a variety of services, including root canal procedures to meet your needs.
So, if you're in pain or think you need root canal therapy, don't hesitate to give us a call at (701) 255-0586. Our experienced team of dentists, led by Dr. Carlson, will provide the care and treatment you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your visit or learn more about our services.
