Sometimes, you can't wait until the next working day to get your oral health taken care of. Emergency dental services are designed to offer people immediate care in moments they need it most.
However, many patients might not fully realize what constitutes a dental emergency, apart from common cases like knocked-out teeth or severe bleeding.
For instance: is a root canal a dental emergency? Or can it wait for a regular appointment? Keep reading to find out the answer:
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to clean and restore the inside of the tooth and remove infected tissue. By the time patients need a root canal, they are most likely experiencing symptoms such as:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling
- Heightened sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums
- Abscess formation
- Loose tooth
- Even a fever
Root canals are considered emergency dental health services, so if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, reach out to our experienced Tacoma dentists for immediate dental care.
Don't Wait To Get a Root Canal
It may be tempting to postpone care and wait for your symptoms to get better with at-home remedies. However, there are many reasons why this is not the best decision:
You Could Lose Your Teeth
A tooth infection can spread fast and reach the tooth’s nerves and even rot. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it also creates the real risk of losing the tooth altogether. It may require removing too much tooth tissue, in which case you will need a dental crown to restore it, but in some severe cases, an extraction may be necessary.
You Don’t Know the True Cause of Your Symptoms
Symptoms like pain, swelling, or even loose teeth can overlap with a lot of different health concerns. The only way to know for sure what’s causing them is to see a dentist as soon as possible.
There Is a Real Risk of Sepsis
Sepsis is the body’s response to an infection, which triggers a chain reaction that is often life-threatening. Symptoms of sepsis include:
- Severe pain
- High fever
- Shivering and feeling cold, no matter what you do, etc.
It’s the Only Way to Remove Your Discomfort
Pain caused by tooth infection usually can’t be managed at home with medication or other remedies. The only way to remove this pain is to see a dentist and begin the root canal treatment as soon as possible.
Are You Dealing with an Infection? Rainier Smiles Dentistry Can Help
If you’re in a lot of pain and think you may need a root canal, don’t wait for a regular appointment. Call Rainier Smiles Dentistry at (253) 565-1695 for an emergency visit and start getting your treatment.
For a regular appointment, book a consultation with Dr. Steve Hong today.