Emergency Dentistry In Metairie, LA
Dental emergencies often occur unexpectedly, and appointments cannot always be prearranged. When urgent dental care is needed, our priority is to swiftly restore your smile, allowing you to move past the pain and injury.
At Gallagher Family Dentistry of Metairie, we understand that dental issues can arise at any moment, necessitating immediate attention. If you find yourself in need of emergency dentistry services in Metairie, rest assured, we're here to assist you.
Our dedicated team of professionals recognizes the challenges posed by dental emergencies, and we are committed to providing prompt and effective care to help you recover quickly. We offer affordable emergency dental services aimed at restoring your oral health and well-being. With a comprehensive range of emergency dental treatments available, we are always ready to accommodate patients in need of urgent care.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
Various dental emergencies include sudden and intense toothaches, accidental tooth chips or cracks, damaged or loose dental restorations, and lost or damaged teeth. To determine if your situation constitutes a dental emergency, consider the following questions:
- Do you have an enduring and painful toothache?
- Is your tooth loose or completely knocked out?
- Do you notice swelling in your cheeks or face along with a toothache?
- Are you encountering extreme tooth sensitivity?
- Is there persistent bleeding from your mouth?
- Have you sustained an injury to your jaw?
Typically, any dental issue requiring urgent intervention to halt bleeding, relieve intense pain, or preserve a tooth qualifies as an emergency. This includes severe infections posing life-threatening risks, demanding prompt professional attention.
What’s The Best Way To Handle A Dental Emergency?
In the event of a dental emergency, it's crucial to reach out to your dentist as your first step. However, if the problem is exceptionally severe or occurs outside of regular office hours, heading to the nearest emergency room is advisable.
Depending on the specific dental emergency you're facing, there are certain actions you can take to alleviate discomfort and improve the situation. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mug of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
- Attempt flossing to relieve gum pressure if applicable.
- Apply a cold compress to the swollen or painful area.
- Rinse with diluted Hydrogen Peroxide to eliminate bacteria.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
What Should I Do If I Have A Knocked Out Tooth?
- Avoid touching the roots or top of the tooth, as they are delicate. Handle the lost tooth only by its sides and chewing surface.
- Gently clean the tooth using water or milk. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, drying, or using soaps or chemicals.
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket after gentle cleaning. Hold it by the sides and bottom, ensuring proper orientation. Bite down softly to secure it, but do not force it if it doesn't fit properly.
- If reinsertion isn't feasible, keep the tooth moist. Soaking it in a glass of milk is ideal. Alternatively, hold it between your gums and cheek, avoiding this method for young children who may swallow the tooth. Avoid using tap water, as it may harm the roots. If milk isn't available, soaking the tooth in saliva is the next best option.
- Contact your dentist immediately. Time is crucial, as a tooth can still be reattached even an hour or more after being knocked out. The sooner you seek dental care, the better the chances of successful reattachment.
How Do I Know If My Dental Issue Is An Emergency?
Severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or trauma to the mouth typically indicate a dental emergency. Seeking immediate dental care is advisable to address the issue promptly and prevent further complications.
Can I Go To The Emergency Room For A Dental Emergency?
While the emergency room can offer temporary relief for severe dental pain or trauma, it's important to note that they are not equipped to provide comprehensive dental care. For proper evaluation and treatment of dental emergencies, it's best to seek treatment from a dentist specializing in emergency dentistry. They have the expertise and resources to address dental emergencies effectively and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate pain and resolve the issue.
