Anyone who has had a throbbing toothache will tell you the pain hits hard all of the sudden and won’t go away until you see your dentist for emergency care. While your endodontist is trained and equipped to address a nasty toothache with painless and effective root canal treatment, it’s understandable that not knowing what to expect during your emergency appointment might make you anxious. Here’s a brief guide to what happens when you see your endodontist for a dental health crisis.
What Is Causing My Toothache?
Toothaches can arise from a variety of causes such as dental injuries, grinding, something stuck between the teeth, and severe infections. If your dental pain does not go away after a day or a thorough flossing and brushing session, it may be due to an advanced infection that has reached the pulp of the tooth. This will result in throbbing, severe pain that will interfere with daily life and require emergency endodontic treatment to resolve. Root canals are often used to treat these infections as well as severe cracks.
What Will Happen During My Emergency Endodontic Appointment?
Before heading to your endodontist’s office to have your toothache treated, be sure to call the staff to explain the situation and let them know you are coming. Many providers offer same-day emergency appointments so toothaches can be treated as quickly as possible. You can address your discomfort before your appointment by rinsing with salt water or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
When you arrive, your endodontist will evaluate your oral health, medical history, and list of medications to determine the best way to address your dental pain. Your endodontist may treat the issue that day or prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to control your discomfort and infection and schedule you to receive your root canal at a later date.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
The root canal process always begins with the endodontist administering an appropriate anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. Then, they will access the interior of the tooth, remove the infected tissue, and sanitize, fill, and seal the inner chamber to prevent future infections. You will also probably be scheduled to receive a dental crown to restore the tooth’s shape, appearance, and function.
You can rest assured that a root canal is the best way to preserve your oral health if your dentist or endodontist recommends it. Adhering to your provider’s aftercare instructions will help you enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery process.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Scott earned his dental degree and his endodontics certificate at the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists. His office in Melbourne offers root canal therapy, oral sedation, and emergency dental services. If you are experiencing a dental emergency such as a severe toothache, dial (321) 722-0550. To learn more about the root canal process, contact the office online.