Relief and Care for Toothache or Dental Injury
Severe pain resulting from an infected or injured tooth may necessitate urgent endodontic intervention. Seeking prompt assistance from an endodontist enhances the likelihood of preserving the tooth and avoiding extraction.
For individuals encountering intense tooth pain or facing a dental injury leading to a substantial crack or large chip, reach out to North Scottsdale Endodontics & Implants Specialists for an appointment with our dentists. With offices in Scottsdale, AZ, we prioritize swift responses to endodontic emergencies, striving to safeguard your natural tooth whenever possible.
Categories of Urgent Endodontic Situations
While a tooth with minor damage or a cavity can be uncomfortable, it doesn't always qualify as an emergency. Dental emergencies arise when you encounter sudden and persistent tooth pain or face the risk of losing a tooth due to a traumatic incident. While many dentists can address dental emergencies, specific conditions may demand specialized care from an endodontist for tasks such as reattaching a tooth or performing an emergency root canal procedure.
If you are grappling with any of the following conditions, it is advisable to reach out to our office, as immediate intervention may be essential to preserve one or more of your teeth:
- Severe or unmanageable tooth pain that persists or intensifies.
- A significant crack or chip in a tooth, exposing the dental pulp.
- Complete breakage of a portion of a tooth.
- A tooth shattered into multiple pieces.
In addition to these symptoms, you may experience a fever, swollen gums, or a sore throat. Contact our office in Scottsdale, AZ promptly to receive urgent endodontic care.
Management of Tooth Pain or Injury
Preserving the health and functionality of a jeopardized or at-risk tooth is our foremost objective. Upon your initial visit to our office, our primary focus is on identifying the issue and providing relief from any discomfort you may be experiencing. Utilizing 3D scans of your mouth aids in accurate diagnosis. To ensure your comfort during treatment and alleviate pain, we offer various anesthesia and sedation options.
The specific treatment required is contingent upon the underlying condition affecting the tooth, and our dentists will thoroughly discuss all available options with you in advance. Typically, most endodontic emergencies stem from issues like infection or damage within a tooth's pulp, necessitating root canal treatment. The choice of root canal therapy is determined by the severity of the damage or infection.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy, commonly known as a baby root canal, is a dental procedure undertaken to salvage a severely decayed tooth when the decay is limited to the crown. This intervention is typically carried out on children with deciduous teeth, as the primary objective of a pulpotomy is to preserve the vitality of the tooth, preventing premature loss. Nevertheless, it might also be considered for certain adults and older children with permanent teeth, serving as the initial step in root canal therapy. Throughout the process, the endodontist will extract the infected pulp from beneath the tooth's crown, fill the resulting void, and securely seal it.
Pulpectomy
Pulpectomies are conducted on teeth that have lost vitality, addressing cases of dead pulp in primary teeth or infected pulp in permanent teeth. This process entails the complete removal of pulp and roots, along with thorough canal cleaning to hinder the progression of infection, akin to a root canal procedure. The distinction lies in the fact that root canal treatment extends beyond, incorporating the filling of canals with a sealing material. Similar to a pulpotomy, a pulpectomy can also act as the initial stage in root canal therapy.
How should I respond in the event of an endodontic emergency?
If you find yourself in intense dental pain or have encountered dental trauma, remain composed and reach out to North Scottsdale Endodontics & Implants Specialists or the nearest dental facility. We will strive to accommodate you at your earliest convenience and provide guidance on preliminary measures before your visit.
We understand that dental emergencies can be distressing, but there are steps you can take to alleviate pain and manage bleeding until professional assistance is available. If your tooth or gums are bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze, a paper towel, or a cotton ball. Place an ice pack on the exterior of your cheek near the affected area, ensuring not freeze the skin. If your medical history permits, you may consider taking over-the-counter pain medication for relief. In cases where a portion of a tooth has broken off and you can locate it, wrap it in damp gauze and bring it along to our office.
Our Dentists are experts in endodontics and will exert every effort to preserve the health of your natural teeth. However, there are instances where despite our best efforts, a natural tooth may not be salvageable. In such situations, we can explore alternative options for tooth restoration, such as the placement of natural-looking dental implants.
