When a tooth is suffering from a painful infection, a root canal treatment could be the best option for saving it. But who should you turn to for the procedure? Can your emergency dentist do a root canal, or will you require the services of a specialist? Here’s what you need to know when choosing an expert to treat your infected tooth and restore your oral health.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves removing infected pulp from a tooth. The pulp is the soft inner layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels; if it’s infected, it can cause serious pain, and the problem could eventually spread to other parts of your mouth. Thus, taking the pulp out of the tooth may be necessary to relieve your pain and prevent the problem from growing worse.
During root canal treatment, the area around the affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then a small opening is created in the tooth to grant access to the pulp chamber. After the pulp has been removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Once the procedure is complete, the tooth is filled with gutta-percha before being resealed. A crown may be placed to protect and strengthen the treated dental structure.
Can an Emergency Dentist Perform Root Canal Treatment?
The fact of the matter is that all dentists are trained in root canal treatment. As such, your emergency dentist will indeed be able to perform the procedure if it’s deemed necessary for protecting your oral health.
That being said, in certain situations, your emergency dentist may need to refer you to a trusted endodontist in your area. Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on treating problems inside of the tooth. Their additional training tends to make them better suited for handling more complex cases. But if you only need a basic root canal treatment, you can typically count on your emergency dentist to do the job.
How Will You Know If You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
If your tooth is suffering from an infection that requires a root canal treatment, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away.
- A tooth that’s noticeably darker than the rest of your smile.
- Swollen gum tissue around a particular tooth.
- A persistent unpleasant taste.
- Tooth sensitivity that lasts longer than normal.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (also known as a dental abscess).
Of course, the only way to know for sure whether a root canal treatment is needed is to see a dental professional. If you schedule a same-day visit with your emergency dentist, they’ll be able to diagnose the problem and determine what sort of treatment is needed in your case.
Remember, if you have any reason to think your tooth is infected, time is of the essence. The sooner you can see your emergency dentist, the sooner they can help you get the care you need to resolve the issue and enjoy a healthy smile again.
About the Practice
At Langworthy Family Dentistry, our team is committed to providing fast, compassionate care when it counts the most. Serving individuals throughout Fuquay-Varina, we offer same-day emergency appointments so that our patients can get the prompt care they need for painful or damaged teeth. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Kristen Langworthy and Dr. Mariya Harn, are able to offer a wide range of dental solutions, including comfortable root canal treatments. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain and think you might need a root canal, call (919) 762-6887 to request an appointment.