Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

Root canal therapy is one of the most dreaded dental procedures out there because it’s commonly associated with pain and discomfort.

But is it a dental emergency?

Discover the answer in this short blog post from Vivid Smiles!

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is usually considered any dental problem that has any of the following:

• Severe bleeding
• Sharp, strong pain
• An immediate possibility of permanent dental loss
  

If an issue ticks any of these three boxes, it’s widely recommended to seek emergency dental services right away.

So, Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

In most cases, it is. People need root canal therapy as a result of a tooth infection, which usually becomes so large that the damaged tissue makes its way down to the root of the tooth and starts affecting the nerve.

This leads to high levels of pain and discomfort which cannot always be properly managed with over-the-counter medication. The dentist will have to remove all the damaged tissue and go into the root canals to get out all of the infection to make the pain go away.

There can be some signs that your tooth is infected before it spreads to the root, however, such as:

• Dark spots on the tooth, which are known as cavities
• Sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold
• Discoloration in the gums area near the tooth
• Swelling, etc.
  

So even if you don’t feel any pain, but notice the signs of a possible tooth infection, you should seek the dentist right away. Tooth infections, when left untreated, can damage the tooth to the point where it might even need to be extracted.

What Can You Expect During an Emergency Dental Appointment?

During an emergency or same-day appointment, the dentist will first inspect the tooth to see why it’s causing the discomfort. Dental pain can be caused by a lot of different things, so you might not necessarily need a root canal to solve the issue.

If you do, the dentist will remove the infected tissue from the tooth and fill the hole left behind. You may need a dental crown to go over the natural tooth if the dentist removes a lot of tissue. The dentist will take a mold and send it to our trusted dental lab to create a custom crown, but they can place a temporary one to protect the site until the permanent one is finished.

Get the Best Root Canal Therapy at Vivid Smiles 

If you have a tooth infection that might require root canal therapy, the Vivid Smiles team can help. Our restorative care services can ensure your teeth are healthy, and your smile is picture-perfect, so we encourage you to stop by for a consultation!

To get started, book a consultation with Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri now or call us directly at (812) 803-2340 for more information.