When a Tooth Infection Is an Endodontic Emergency

Having an endodontic emergency is always a cause for panic, especially if you have a dental infection. The pain alerts you to see an endodontist right away. Trauma or decay can cause dental infection. If you want to know when you should come in for a tooth infection as an endodontic emergency, here are the details.

Pus oozing from an infected tooth

This often starts with a pimple-like structure appearing at the side of an infected tooth. This is an endodontic emergency. It is a dental problem in need of immediate treatment. It is easier to treat an infected tooth during its early onset. Waiting too long may develop terrible complications.

The infection could lead to tooth loss. The infection may also spread to other parts of the body. This could result in brain or heart conditions. An emergency root canal therapy will remove the pain and infection right away. The patient’s tooth could then stay stable.

Intense pain

Extreme pain and discomfort make the tooth infection an endodontic emergency. The patient would want immediate relief. The tooth pain is not an ordinary toothache. The throbbing, nagging pain makes it difficult for an individual to focus or even sleep. The emergency dentist will examine the teeth and may perform emergency root canal therapy.

Tooth discoloration

A discolored, infected tooth is an endodontic emergency. The change in color shows nerve damage. An emergency root canal treatment will happen if the tooth experiences pain from consuming cold or hot foods and drinks. The yellowed or darkened tooth can have a custom-fit crown over it. This will restore the treated tooth’s appearance.

The darkening of a tooth shows the deficiency of fresh blood supply entering the tooth. The tooth is already dying at this stage. Pain in the gums and teeth often goes with discoloration. The color could be yellow, gray, light brown, or even black.

A dying tooth may also look like it has a bruise. It will continue to darken in color as the nerve continues to die. Some people do not feel pain at all. Others only feel mild, tolerable pain. The pain may result from the last impulses of the nerves or the ongoing infection. The patient may also experience a bitter taste in the mouth, swelling along the gumline, and foul breath.

Severe damage

A dental crack, fracture, or break will need a thorough examination. The dentist will see if the damage has reached the deeper parts of the tooth. Dental damage up to the jawbone will lead to dental extraction. Dental damage up to the pulp will need an emergency root canal treatment.

The tooth will be very painful and sensitive to contact. This endodontic emergency will need treatment right away. Removing the infected nerves and pulp will end the pain. A porcelain crown will go over the treated tooth. It will then strengthen and protect the tooth against future injuries.