When dental patients are in need of a root canal, they may be referred to an endodontist for the procedure. Most patients receive this treatment in a timely manner, usually within a week or two of the last visit. However, there are situations where root canal treatment is more pressing and should be completed as soon as possible.
Unlike other types of dental work that address damage to the hard outer structures of the tooth, root canals are used to treat decay that has made its way inside to the tooth pulp. When these soft tissues become diseased, the result can be painful and are likely to lead to an infection and tooth loss if left untreated. When an endodontist performs a root canal, the diseased tissue is removed and the tooth structure is completely sterilized and sealed. A crown may be placed if the damage to the tooth was extensive and weakened its overall structure. Most of the time, a root canal is not an emergency procedure, but it can be if a patient exhibits certain symptoms.
New, sudden, or chronic tooth pain usually warrants a visit to a dental office. In some situations, it is safe for patients to wait a few days to be seen as long as the pain is manageable. However, when any of the following symptoms or events take place, it is considered a dental emergency and requires prompt treatment.
Serious injuries can put a patient at risk of losing a permanent tooth. When teeth are chipped, loose, or completely knocked out, time is of the essence. Seeing a dentist right away can help prevent complications and infections from developing and may even help a patient keep the affected tooth.
Severe pain is a problem when it comes to dental health. Typically, this level of discomfort is a sign of an infection, especially when accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:
Infections that move into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body can be dangerous, so these symptoms should be taken seriously and evaluated by a dental professional immediately. If the infection is located in the pulp of a tooth, an endodontist will likely perform an emergency root canal.
Some bleeding after flossing is normal. However, if oral bleeding persists or seems to arise without reason, this could be a cause for concern. Many times, this type of blood loss can point to an infection or a serious case of gum disease.
In many cases, an endodontist will schedule a root canal treatment within a few days or weeks after receiving a diagnosis. However, if the diseased tooth pulp is causing intolerable pain or if the infection is spreading, emergency dental work may be necessary. Patients should not ignore the signs of a dental emergency, because waiting can lead to serious consequences.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sheats-endo.com or call Sheats Endodontic Group at (615) 526-2495 for an appointment in our Nashville office.
Endodontics is derived from the Greek words "endos" which means within, and "odont," meaning tooth. This dental discipline centers on the study and treatment of the tooth pulp as well as tissues around the root of the teeth. The most common treatment in endodontics is root canal treatment, which is often associated with pain. However,…
An endodontist treats tooth infections with root canal therapy. Although many dentists can provide this treatment, additional training may be necessary to treat the most severe cases. The goal of root canal therapy is tooth loss prevention. Still, various factors can complicate the procedure, making the experience and training of dentists with advanced endodontic training invaluable.Persistent…
A root canal endodontist can help repair and then save an infected or badly damaged tooth. With proper care, teeth that have had root canal treatment can be kept for a lifetime. But sometimes teeth can heal improperly and become painful or diseased after some months or even years after treatment. As much as this…
A root canal specialist can be a lifesaver if you are dealing with an injured tooth. While the procedure has earned itself a reputation as some sort of scary procedure people should be terrified of, the reality is that root canals bring relief to patients who are often dealing with excruciating pain.Root canals are often…
Endodontics is derived from the Greek words "endos" which means within, and "odont," meaning tooth. This dental discipline centers on the study and treatment of the tooth pulp as well as tissues around the root of the teeth. The most common treatment in endodontics is root canal treatment, which is often associated with pain. However,…
An endodontist treats tooth infections with root canal therapy. Although many dentists can provide this treatment, additional training may be necessary to treat the most severe cases. The goal of root canal therapy is tooth loss prevention. Still, various factors can complicate the procedure, making the experience and training of dentists with advanced endodontic training invaluable.Persistent…