An Emergency Dentist May Need to Perform a Root Canal

A root canal is one of those procedures that an emergency dentist performs often. It is often required when a tooth has been badly damaged by trauma or infected. A tooth can become infected when tooth decay makes its way to the pulp chamber; once the outer layers of the tooth that protect this area are gone, the pulp is exposed to oral bacteria. The nerve and blood vessels in the pulp chamber will eventually become infected.

Emergency dentists use root canals to save teeth when the nerves and blood vessels have been compromised. Contrary to popular belief, a tooth does not die when its nerves and blood vessels are removed.

Signs you need an emergency dentist to perform a root canal

1. An infected tooth

A tooth infection is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. It leads to sharp pain whenever contact is made with the tooth, and it is not the type of pain that can be ignored. Waiting a week or more to see a dentist is not an option when dealing with such pain. The services of an emergency dentist are needed, since they provide quick treatment for dental emergencies without having to wait for an appointment. Signs that a tooth might be infected include:

• Intense toothaches
• Bad breath
• Pus coming out of the area around the tooth
• A pimple on the gums
• A discolored tooth

2. A broken tooth

Minor damage that only affects a tooth's enamel does not count as a dental emergency, but damage that reaches the inner layers of the tooth does. This type of injury typically comes with lots of pain, but it is still a dental emergency. A small crack to the exterior of the pulp chamber is large enough for millions of bacteria to get in. Once that occurs, an infection is imminent.

A root canal brings an end to the pain caused by the injury, and the dentist will place a crown on the tooth to protect it from further damage. A crown looks like a real tooth, so the appearance of the damaged tooth is restored.

What to expect during the procedure

A root canal is not as invasive as many people think. The toughest part for most is getting injected with an anesthetic. Afterward, the dentist makes a hole in the tooth and removes the contents of the pulp chamber with files.

Medication is applied to combat any infection and the tooth is filled with a rubbery material. In most cases, the dentist will install a crown on the tooth to protect it and improve the way it looks. There is no recovery period with root canals.

Need an emergency root canal?

Visit our San Antonio office if you are dealing with any of the issues we discussed above. We will get you the quick pain relief you are looking for.

Request an appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

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