A root canal is an effective treatment for tooth decay, but it’s also one of the most painful procedures you can go through. Because of this, many people wait as long as possible to get one, sometimes even ignoring the symptoms of tooth pain altogether until their condition has become critical and has spread beyond the root of the tooth and into other parts of the mouth. But what makes a root canal an emergency? How can you tell if you need immediate attention, and how do you know when to seek out that care?
The options
A real emergency requires immediate attention, while non-emergencies require care at a later time. For example, if you are experiencing extreme pain that is worsening over time or having unusual symptoms such as numbness or drainage, then it is highly likely that your tooth needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. It is best to contact our office immediately for consultation and possible treatment. On the other hand, if you have been thinking about getting a root canal for awhile but are hesitating because of cost or scheduling conflicts, then you may not need emergency root canal treatment. It is always good to know what options you have in terms of treatment—just be sure to seek advice from our doctors before making any decisions!
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery time depends on a number of factors. The severity of your toothache, your overall health and dental history all factor into how long it takes to recover from a root canal. If you are otherwise healthy, it is possible to heal in just one or two days; however, if you have health conditions like diabetes or if you’re on any medication that could cause adverse side effects, post-surgery recovery may take longer—and require additional medical care. One factor that won’t impact recovery time is location: because there are no nerves inside your tooth after surgery, receiving care at home will speed up healing time as much as receiving in-office treatment. Be sure to discuss with your dentist which course of action is best for you before undergoing treatment.
Know your options
In addition to visiting your dentist as soon as possible, you may also want to speak with him or her about how to prepare for a root canal. It’s best to undergo these procedures under local anesthesia; however, sometimes sedation is necessary in order to keep you relaxed. In these cases, it’s important that your dentist knows which medications are safe for you and can accurately monitor your vitals throughout the procedure. It’s also essential that someone accompany you during treatment so that they can take you home when you’re done. Always ask about after-care before undergoing a root canal: How long will my tooth be numb? What should I eat and drink afterwards? Will my gums bleed after I wake up from sedation? When can I return to work and exercise again?
What you need to know about getting professional treatment
Root canals are fairly common dental procedures, but if you’re getting one, it means you’ve developed significant enough tooth pain that it’s impeding your ability to function normally. If there’s not enough time to make it to your dentist before your root canal procedure, don’t worry! It might still be possible to get what you need. Check out these six important things you should know about emergency root canals.
Taking care of your teeth after the procedure
Having regular checkups with your dentist is one of the most important things you can do for your overall oral health. Even if you don’t think you have any problems, having cleanings and examinations can help reveal early signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay and other issues that can develop over time. After an emergency root canal after care procedure, it’s especially important to keep your teeth healthy to avoid further damage. The pain following an emergency root canal may seem intense but there are steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable in between treatments. In fact, many patients experience almost no pain following their treatment—and if they do feel soreness or discomfort, they say it isn’t nearly as bad as it was initially after having the procedure done.
