Dental emergencies rarely call before dropping in on your day. They’re quite rude in this regard.
Since dental emergencies can strike at any time, quick and decisive action is key to alleviating pain in the short term, preventing complications, and safeguarding long-term oral health. To ensure you’re prepared when time is of the essence, we’re taking a closer look at five common dental emergencies, what to do when they strike, and why urgent care with your emergency dentist in New Orleans is vital to resolving them.
1. Severe and Persistent Toothache
A severe and relentless toothache can disrupt your day and signal a deeper issue like decay, infection, or an exposed nerve. Left untreated, both the pain and the risk of long-term damage, like an abscess or tooth loss, escalate.
Getting to an emergency dentist ASAP can help ensure an accurate diagnosis, immediate relief, and timely care for the root cause of the issue.
2. Broken or Chipped Teeth
Accidents or biting down on something hard can break or chip your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to further damage or infection. Prompt care ensures your damaged tooth is addressed via dental bonding, veneers, or crowns to restore appearance and functionality.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth can be frightening and requires immediate attention. Fortunately, acting quickly can go a long way toward saving the natural tooth!
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle and rinse it carefully without touching the root. Then, if possible, replace it in its socket in the jaw — otherwise, simply place it in a container of milk to preserve it. Finally, try to get to a dentist within an hour to maximize the chance of successful reimplantation.
4. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that causes severe pain, swelling, and even fever. If untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body and lead to dangerous complications. Emergency treatment is critical to drain the abscess, eliminate the infection, and prevent further health risks.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
A missing filling or crown can expose sensitive tooth structures, leading to pain and increased susceptibility to decay. Quick repair prevents additional damage and ensures the tooth remains protected.
Finding the Best Emergency Dental Care in New Orleans, LA
If you’re looking for a top-quality emergency dentist in New Orleans to efficiently, effectively, and painlessly a dental emergency you’re facing right now or if you simply want to be prepared just in case, contact Dr. Russell Schafer and the outstanding NOLA Dentures team to schedule an appointment!