Dental pain can be sudden, intense, and often impossible to ignore. But when a toothache strikes, it’s not always clear where you need to go for help, and many patients wonder if it’s better to see an emergency dentist or a specialist such as an endodontist. The short answer is, while some emergency dentists are perfectly capable of performing root canals to save infected teeth, some situations warrant the care of an endodontist. Here’s what you need to know.
Emergency Dentists Can Perform Root Canals
Infected, painful teeth are serious situations that don’t normally heal on their own. They can also cause complications, possibly even leading to the tooth being lost. Thankfully, root canals are often one of the best ways of saving a troubled tooth.
Better yet, emergency dentists are usually qualified to perform root canals—in fact, they’re one of the most commonly performed procedures in all of dentistry, with over 15 million being carried out every year. The process is simple; a small opening is made in the infected tooth to access the source of the infection, the compromised tissue is removed, and the tooth is filled and sanitized before a crown is placed to protect it.
When an Endodontist Might Be Recommended
Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating issues inside the teeth, like those affecting the pulp or roots. After dental school, endodontists complete additional years of specialized training focused on root canals and other similar procedures.
If your tooth infection is spreading, if you’re dealing with an abscess or significant swelling, or the tooth in question has a complex root system, you may be referred to an endodontist. But to give you an idea of what symptoms to look for, some common signs you may need a root canal include:
- Intense, throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw, ears, or neck.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers.
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
- The formation of an abscess, which is a pimple-like bump on the gums indicating infection.
- Discoloration of the tooth due to nerve damage.
- Noticeable trauma to the tooth, like a chip or crack that’s exposing the pulp.
The bottom line is, while emergency dentists are experts at relieving immediate pain, endodontists are usually better equipped to handle complex root canal cases. However, both of these providers are better options than neglecting emergency care altogether; a tooth that needs a root canal will not heal on its own!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Karyn Stern, Dr. Niusha Nikkholgh, and Dr. Marta Rafla, our team here at Worcester Endodontics has proudly served patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding community for several years. We offer a wide range of endodontic services, including root canal therapy performed in-house by our expert team. We also offer sedation dentistry for any particularly anxious patients! If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please call or visit us online for more information. Telephone: (508) 755-3636.