Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

A root canal is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures around. Many people think that a root canal is a painful and invasive treatment, but the reality is much different. Without the gentle root canal treatment, the alternative would be extraction, followed by tooth replacement.

A root canal, after all, is a treatment that removes infection and relieves a toothache. It is a positive undertaking!

What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

After your dentist has diagnosed root infection or trauma, the next step is thoroughly numbing the area and extracting the root and pulp from your infected tooth. Your dentist closes with a healing agent and provisional tooth filling. At a later appointment, we typically complete the work with a dental crown to prevent breakage of the compromised tooth.

Our tooth crowns are made of quality material, and your dentist in Fairfax, VA always makes sure they match your smile.

You may notice gentle pressure during the procedure and mild discomfort for a day or two following treatment, but this does not compare to the pain of infection. Patients report relief upon removal of the infected root pulp.

Why a Root Canal Is a Dental Emergency

A root canal treatment is a dental emergency because the infection can spread without intervention. It can infect your other teeth or, in rare cases, spread to other parts of the body. The sooner we treat you, the better.

Your emergency dentist in Fairfax also considers your pain a dental emergency. With a root infection, you may notice:

• Toothache
• Jaw pain and swelling
• A blister on the gum
• Sensitivity to heat

We Perform Root Canals in Fairfax, VA

If you have a tooth or sudden oral health changes, we encourage you to contact a member of our team to schedule an emergency dental appointment today.

At Dr. Fairfax & Associates, we are here for you.