Emergency Root Canal: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

Dental emergencies often happen with no warning, and the extreme pain involved with many of these situations is excruciating. Equally concerning, however, is the fact that without fast action, you could lose a tooth. Once you lose a tooth, there’s no saving it, and you will eventually have to talk about replacement options. Fortunately, Dr. Doreen Wilson at Covington Family Dentistry is here to help you save your tooth and provide relief with an emergency root canal. 

Understanding Root Canals

During a root canal, your dentist clears away the decay growing inside a tooth. In the majority of cases, a root canal can help save your tooth. There are four basic steps your dentist will take to perform your treatment. 

1. Disinfect the area with antibiotics
2. Extract decay and bacteria from the tooth pulp, nerve, and root
3. Fill the empty roots with filling material
4. Seal up the treated area to prevent further decay

Root Canals: Nothing to Be Afraid Of

Many people shudder with dread when they think of a root canal. But the truth is, a root canal is virtually painless. In the U.S. alone, over 15 million root canals are done every year. Thanks to modern dentistry advances, there’s no need to fear a root canal. Many patients say it’s about the same amount of pain as they feel when getting a cavity filled. 

When You Would Need an Emergency Root Canal

When the pulp of one of your teeth is infected, you have a good chance of saving your tooth if you have a root canal. An inflamed or infected tooth can be caused by trauma to the root, deep cavities, or cracked teeth. Signs you may need a root canal include:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot beverages and foods
• Excruciatingly painful toothache
• Gum tenderness
• Swelling in the gums around the sore tooth
• Discoloration in a tooth

Anesthesia and Sedation for a Root Canal

Typically, a root canal isn’t a dental procedure that requires sedation. However, your dentist will thoroughly numb the site of the affected tooth with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide gas is also available for some patients who feel some anxiety around dental work. 

How Long an Emergency Root Canal Takes

In most situations, a root canal can be finished in one dental visit, which takes around 60 minutes. 

Eating After a Root Canal

After your root canal procedure, it’s a good idea to eat soft foods for a couple of days, depending on what your dentist suggests. Options might include mashed potatoes, ice cream, soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Also, avoid foods that can be damaging to teeth, such as hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. 

Root Canal Pain Relief in Covington, GA

We know that when you need an emergency root canal, it can be painful and frightening. Dr. Doreen Wilson and the team at Covington Family Dentistry in Covington, Georgia, are here to give you the help and pain relief you need while we work to save your tooth. Call us today at (770) 787-2230 to schedule an appointment or learn more about emergency dental options. 

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