Managing pain while waiting for an emergency root canal appointment can be challenging. Fortunately, we have several strategies to help guide us through these tense and painful moments. First, over-the-counter pain relievers, taken in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Also, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area — for 15-20 minutes at a time, repeating as necessary — can help reduce swelling and minimize pain until you can get emergency care. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is another technique for cleansing the affected area and providing temporary pain relief.
Additionally, as extreme temperatures and textures can exacerbate tooth pain, avoiding hard foods and extremely hot or cold foods and drinks can help manage dental pain until a root canal can be performed. If you need to eat between the onset of discomfort and your root canal, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further aggravation.
If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your dentist to see if they can prescribe a stronger pain reliever or schedule an emergency appointment to address the issue. After all, these techniques, while effective, are only intended to manage pain until you get professional care.
A Caring and Experienced Emergency Dentist in Bear Lake, MN
If you need a dentist in Bear Lake, MN, to help relieve your dental pain and preserve the structure of your damaged tooth with an emergency root canal, contact Dr. Ellen Swift, DDS, and the White Bear Smiles team for prompt, effective, and empathetic care!