When you Might Need an Emergency Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is probably the dental procedure with the worst reputation out there. But that’s because many people who need one have also suffered from severe toothache caused by an infection, so this association is understandable. While the procedure does take more time than a routine checkup, if you maintain good dental hygiene, you can greatly reduce your risk of ever needing an emergency root canal. NYC dentists have seen many cases where undergoing such a treatment could have been avoided with a little more care and cleaning.

What Is It?
So, what is a root canal? In essence, it’s a treatment to remove an infection that has developed inside the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue underneath the hard enamel containing blood vessels and nerves, which is why it can be so painful. During the procedure, the dentist will clean out the roots and pulp to ensure that the infection is eradicated. It usually takes around two hours.

Signs You Need an Emergency Root Canal: NYC Dentist Approved!
While some people can’t tell if an infection is growing, sometimes the pain will become acute and you’ll have to book an emergency appointment. However, if you do find yourself in need of an emergency root canal, NYC isn’t a bad place to be, as there are plenty of excellent dental specialists who will be able to help.

Toothache
Often the first and most obvious signs that you need to see a dentist will be severe pain. It can be a throbbing in the jaw, a sharp stabbing, or just incessant aching. But believe us, you won’t be able to sleep, eat, or drink easily when a tooth infection hits.

Discoloration
While infection is a common cause of issues within the tooth, it could also be due to nerve damage. Any signs of discoloration in the tooth could mean that there is a problem with the nerves. It might also be difficult to eat or drink hot and cold things. In these instances, you need to see a dental professional as soon as possible to save the tooth.

Signs of Infection
If there is an infection in the pulp, you might find pus or an abscess around the gum. While this can easily be treated with an emergency root canal, NYC dentists will recommend you make an appointment immediately, as infection can spread and cause further problems.

Trauma
If you’ve had a bad knock and you’ve damaged one or several teeth, you might need to undergo this treatment to save the tooth. While the damage can look superficial at first, there is always a chance that it’s reached the pulp. Again, if you’re feeling pain, seek out professional care.

There are many different situations where it might be necessary to have an emergency root canal. NYC has many excellent dentists that will be able to help, however it’s still important that you do your research to choose a reputable surgery that can take care of your oral health.

Author Plate
Ellen Smythe is a Practice Manager at Smile Arts of NY, a dental office that provides the best care and advanced modern cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, veneers, Invisalign, dental implants and emergency treatments. If you need treatment with an emergency root canal, NYC based Smile Arts have been helping New York City residents achieve the look and care they’ve always wanted with their state-of-the-art, affordable dental services since 2010.