Can an Emergency Dentist Do a Root Canal?
In severe pain and think you need a root canal? Find out if an emergency dentist can perform a root canal on the same day and what to expect during your urgent dental care visit.
Blake Hundley
Aug 25, 2025
Severe Tooth Pain: Is a Same-Day Root Canal Possible?
When you're dealing with the intense, throbbing pain of an infected tooth, your only thought is getting relief as fast as possible. You may have heard that a root canal is the solution, which leads to an urgent question: "Can an emergency dentist do a root canal on the same day?"
The answer is both encouraging and essential to understand. Yes, an emergency dentist is equipped to handle the critical first steps of a root canal to alleviate your pain immediately.
This guide will explain when a root canal becomes an emergency, what an emergency dentist will do during your visit, and what the entire process entails.
Understanding Emergency Root Canal Treatment
Why Would You Need an Emergency Root Canal?
A root canal is necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This is often caused by a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or trauma. The pain is your body's signal that the tooth's nerve is in distress.
You are likely in need of an emergency root canal if you are experiencing:
Severe, persistent, and throbbing tooth pain.
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers.
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face.
A pimple-like bump (abscess) on your gums near the painful tooth.
Ignoring these symptoms is dangerous, as the infection can spread and lead to serious health complications.
What an Emergency Dentist Will Do on the Same Day
While it's possible to complete a full root canal in one visit, the primary goal of an emergency appointment is to eliminate your pain and stop the infection.
Here’s what you can typically expect during your same-day visit:
Immediate Diagnosis: We will take digital X-rays to confirm that the tooth's pulp is infected and a root canal is the necessary treatment.
Pain Management: We will completely numb the area to ensure you are comfortable.
The "Pulpectomy": This is the crucial first stage of the root canal. Your dentist will make a small opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp and nerve tissue. This is what stops the pain.
Medication and Sealing: After cleaning the inside of the tooth, an antibiotic medication may be placed inside, and the tooth will be sealed with a temporary filling.
This initial procedure provides immediate relief and stabilizes the tooth. You will leave the office pain-free.
Completing the Root Canal
After the emergency visit, you will need to return for a follow-up appointment to complete the process. During this second visit, the dentist will:
Thoroughly clean and shape the inside of the tooth's canals.
Fill the canals with a permanent, rubber-like material.
Place a permanent filling or prepare the tooth for a dental crown. A crown is almost always necessary to protect the now-brittle tooth from fracturing.
The First Step to Saving Your Tooth and Stopping the Pain
Can an emergency dentist perform a root canal? Yes, they will perform the most critical part of the procedure to relieve your pain immediately. While a second visit is usually necessary to complete the restoration, your emergency appointment is the first and most crucial step in saving your tooth and resolving the infection.
Don't try to wait out severe tooth pain. It's a clear sign that you need professional help right away.
In Severe Pain? Get an Immediate Evaluation. If you are experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth in the Palm Beach Gardens area, contact Gardens Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry now. Our team is equipped to handle dental emergencies and will help alleviate your pain today. Schedule your consultation.
Blog
