Endodontic Emergency

An endodontic emergency pertains to a condition involving a tooth that requires immediate attention. This can include trauma to one or more teeth that has caused cracks or chips, a severe infection, or an emergency root canal. If you believe you or your child are experiencing a dental emergency in Amarillo, TX, and need urgent care, contact Full Smile Endodontics as soon as possible. Dr. Steffan Scherer is a skilled endodontist who can treat endodontic and dental emergencies, making every effort to save your natural teeth and prevent further damage.

Symptoms of an Endodontic Emergency

Many dentists can treat dental emergencies. However, there are some types of dental emergencies that require specialized care from an endodontist. With sudden and unrelenting tooth pain, you may be at risk of losing the tooth completely and should see an endodontist right away. If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, contact Full Smile Endodontics immediately:

• Severe tooth pain that does not subside and seems to get worse
• You notice a large crack or chip in a tooth following dental trauma
• Part of a tooth has broken off or the tooth has broken into multiple pieces

These symptoms may be accompanied by a fever, gum swelling, or sore throat. If you notice any of these conditions, contact us right away to be seen by Dr. Scherer. When you arrive at our office, we may take CBCT scans to further assess your condition.

Most Common Endodontic Emergencies

Most endodontic emergencies are accompanied by severe pain because of a problem within the pulp of a tooth. Root canal treatment aims to treat these conditions by removing and cleaning the infected or inflamed areas. The type of root canal treatment you need will depend on the severity of the infection or damage.

Pulpotomies

A pulpotomy, also known as a baby root canal, involves removing part of a tooth’s nerve. This is a quick way to alleviate dental pain, but is only a temporary fix. We will numb the tooth and place a temporary seal, and you will return to our office to complete the rest of the root canal treatment.

Pulpectomies

A pulpectomy involves completely removing the nerve tissue within a tooth. This is the first step in root canal treatment and will also quickly alleviate tooth pain. We will numb the tooth and place a temporary seal, then you will return for a second appointment to receive the permanent filling.

Managing Oral Pain Before Your Appointment

If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency, follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact an Endodontist

Contact Full Smile Endodontics immediately if you are in severe dental pain or have experienced dental trauma. We will try to see you as soon as possible and advise you of special instructions to follow.

Step 2: Manage Swelling and Bleeding

A tooth infection or injury can be quite painful, but you can manage pain and bleeding until you are able to be seen by a dental professional. If your medical history allows, take over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek near the area, but be careful not to freeze the skin. If your tooth is bleeding, bite down on a clean gauze, cotton ball, or paper towel. Blood flow usually subsides in less than an hour.