The only time I've had a tooth go hot, requiring a root canal, I
immediately made an appointment as soon as I realized what the
sensation signified and had it taken care of in about a week, at which
time it was just about threatening to make life difficult.  It was #7,
a single root, so my dentist was able to take care of it on the spot
(ie. I didn't have to go to an endodontist).

However, I have discovered that #20 is just barely starting to go hot
-- and tomorrow morning I leave for a business trip for 6 days.  It
may be fine for the length of the trip, but in case it isn't, is there
any way to lessen the pain just enough so that a root canal can wait
until I return?  Some topical goop I can apply to make it through the
trip, for example?

The reason I mention something for topical application is because,
while I normally respond very well to ibuprofen for headaches, I
recall that ibuprofen did not help with the prior hot tooth.  (Then
again, I was only taking about 300 mgs or so; I recall that my dentist
prescribed 800mg once, so it's possible I wasn't taking enough)

I'm just trying to avoid the trip becoming a disaster...  All non-
homeopathic/non-quackery advice greatly appreciated!