Choose Endodontic Care In A Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can be a frightening experience, for the patient and the caregiver. An accident or injury to the mouth can lead to a variety of dental emergencies, from broken teeth to dislodged teeth. In an emergency situation, time is of the essence. Do you know where to go in case of a dental emergency? 

Both general dentists and endodontists provide emergency care, so which one should you call? Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for a dental emergency. 

What is Endodontic Care? 

Endodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry. It focuses primarily on the health of the teeth from the inside out. At the center of each tooth, there is a hollow chamber, the root canal, filled with soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves called the dental pulp. It is the life force of the tooth, helping it develop and thrive, but it is also susceptible to infection and damage. A bumped, cracked, fractured, or knocked out tooth is at risk without proper treatment. In most cases, the type of treatment required in a dental emergency is endodontic care. 

Type of Dental Emergencies 

There are a few common types of dental emergencies that may occur: 

• Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth can often be saved with a root canal and a crown, but it depends on the type and severity of the crack. 
• Fractured tooth. A fractured tooth may need a root canal and crown unless it is just a small chip that can be reshaped with composite bonding. 
• Displaced tooth. A tooth that is knocked loose or out of place but still remains in the mouth will need to be stabilized and possibly treated for internal damage. 
• Dislodged tooth. A tooth that is completely knocked out of the mouth needs immediate treatment in order to be saved. If it can be put back in the socket, do so and bite down on a piece of gauze. If not, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva. You may have as little as 20 minutes to receive professional treatment in order to save the tooth. 
• Toothache. A tooth that aches or causes pain is most likely infected. This means that bacteria has entered the root canal through some avenue, such as a deep cavity or a crack in a tooth, and infected the pulp. The tooth may be able to be saved with a root canal. 

Why Go to an Endodontist in a Dental Emergency? 

In most cases, it is in your best interest to see an endodontist for a dental emergency because endodontists specialize in the following: 

• Pain diagnosis and management. Endodontists specialize in diagnosing the cause behind tooth pain and providing treatment to manage or relieve pain. 
• Saving teeth. Endodontists specialize in saving damaged teeth, increasing the chances that teeth will be able to stay in place after an injury. 
• Urgent dental situations. Most dental injuries resulting from trauma of some kind will require endodontic treatment. An endodontist is the best dental specialist to provide emergency care. 

Why Choose Elite Endodontics of NH?

Elite Endodontics of NH provides 24 hour emergency care when needed. If a dental emergency arises during office hours, we will see you as soon as possible. After hours you can call us and leave a message according to the voicemail instructions and someone will contact you. We will assess the situation to determine whether or not your situation is urgent or if it can wait until the following day during regular office hours. If you experience a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. 

In case of a dental emergency, call 603-882-5455 for our Hudson office and 603-628-2891 for our Hooksett office.