How can we help you?
Having questions when choosing a dentist is natural! After all, your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Here is a list of some of the most common questions we receive. If you do not see yours listed below, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.
Emergency Dentistry
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is not right. No pain, dental or otherwise, should simply be ignored.
Most instances of tooth pain, though indicative of an issue that will require future attention, do not require immediate action. Others, however, suggest a more serious problem. Here are signs that tooth pain may warrant immediate attention from a dentist:
- Intense, persistent pain – if the pain is severe, persistent, and continues to get worse, it may be a sign of infection or tooth decay.
- Swelling or fever – swelling around teeth, gums, or the face, and fever can be signs of an infection.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold – if the sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks suddenly and significantly increases, it may be a sign of decay, a cracked tooth, or exposed tooth roots.
- Pain when biting or chewing – may suggest a cracked or damaged tooth.
- Bleeding or discharge – bleeding or discharge from teeth or gums may be a sign of infection or gum disease.
If you have tooth pain in the Gretna area and experience any of these symptoms, contact dentist Dr. Russell Schafer and the team at NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment.
Several different issues are considered to be dental emergencies, but you may not know if what you are experiencing constitutes a dental emergency or not. If it is after regular business hours or on the weekend, you may be unsure whether you should contact your dentist in New Orleans or wait until the office is open before you call. Let’s look at what is considered a dental emergency and get you the help you need.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Our goal is to save your teeth, and in a dental emergency, we want to help you as quickly as possible. Many patients believe they must be in pain to qualify for a dental emergency, but that isn’t true. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call our office immediately so we can advise you on the best next step:
- Mouth injury
- Knocked-out tooth
- Broken or chipped tooth
- Broken or lost filling or dental crown
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Inflammation or swelling
Do You Need Emergency Dentistry in New Orleans?
If so, please call Nola Dentures and General Dentistry at (504) 392-5104, and we will be happy to help you. Your dental health is our number one priority.
When to worry about jaw pain.
Some jaw pain is temporary. Soreness after eating something hard or tension after a stressful day often clears up on its own. However, some jaw pain is a sign of something that indicates a need for professional attention.
Jaw Pain Symptoms That Warrant a Dental Visit
Contact NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry in Gretna, LA, if you notice any of the following:
- Jaw pain that lasts more than a few days: Persistent jaw pain that does not improve with rest is not normal and needs evaluation
- Jaw pain while chewing: Discomfort every time you eat, especially on one side, often points to a joint or bite problem
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds: Jaw clicking and pain together are a common sign of TMJ disorder, a condition affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull.
- Limited jaw movement: Difficulty opening your mouth fully, or a jaw that locks or catches, indicates a joint issue that will not resolve without treatment
- Pain that radiates: Jaw pain that spreads to the ear, temple, or neck may involve the TMJ or surrounding muscles
What Causes Persistent Jaw Pain?
Common causes include TMJ disorder, teeth grinding, bite misalignment, and infection. In some cases, jaw pain is referred pain from a dental problem elsewhere in the mouth.
Jaw pain rarely improves on its own when it has lasted more than a few days. Call NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry at (504) 392-5104 to schedule an evaluation or book online.