Most people do not think of a toothache as a dental emergency. Painful, yes; even inconvenient, especially when it happens on the weekend, when most dental office are closed. But an emergency? No way. When it’s your toothache, though, the sense of urgency grows. And if the tooth is abscessed, it could require an emergency root canal from OnCall Dental in Fresno.
An abcessed tooth is when a tooth’s nerve has become infected. The most common cause of this is a cavity that has gone untreated, and spreads deep into the tooth.
But cavities aren’t the only cause. A tooth can become abcessed after it cracks or breaks, and the nerve (dental pulp) is exposed. Bacteria can get in and cause infection to spread down the roots and into the bone tissue.
Infection can also happen between the gums and the tooth root. This is known as a periodontal abscess.
A root canal can correct this issue. We know from experience that the words “root canal” can strike fear into the bravest of hearts, because they are associated with great pain. But the facts are this: with modern dentistry, root canals are painless. In fact, since they fix an abscessed tooth, root canals don’t cause pain, they relieve it.
Sedation dentistry is always an option. We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
With a root canal, we removed the damaged pulp, and then fill and seal the tooth with a crown. The root may be gone, but the tooth has been saved, and with proper care should last for many years to come.
At OnCall Dental in Fresno we specialize in emergency dentistry, including root canals. Walk-ins are always welcome.
