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Emergency Dentistry
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Dental emergencies can seem to come out of nowhere. Don't hesitate to call us so we can help provide relief and treatment.

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Emergency Dentist in New Orleans

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, any place. Not even vacations are sacred. At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, Dr. Schafer and his reliable dental team are here to provide guidance and tips during your stressful dental health emergency. In many cases, time is of the essence. Seeing your emergency dentist within 30 minutes of an injury or trauma could mean the difference between losing or saving a tooth.

Your New Orleans emergency dentist should be the first person to call if you are undergoing a dental emergency. Some people may feel unclear about what constitutes a dental emergency, or if they should wait until the next available appointment.

If you are experiencing any oral pain, do not hesitate to give us a call immediately at (504) 392-5104.

Dental Emergencies in Gretna, LAemergency dentist | gretna man with sore jaw

  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Inflammation or swelling
  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Advanced gum disease
  • Untreated tooth decay
  • Broken or fractured tooth
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Broken or lost dental crown
  • Broken or lost filling
  • Chipped tooth
  • Injury to the mouth

Not all dental emergencies have pain or symptoms, which is why we encourage that patients call us when they notice anything unusual, such as swelling, bad taste, or more. Many dental emergencies can even start small, like the tiniest crack or the early stages of an infection.

Many of us might be surprised at how quickly even mild oral health issues can blow up to take up all your time, energy, and even money. 

Prevention Is the Best Action

Small cavities might seem harmless, but they can be quite a calamity if they’re left untreated. The good news is that we can catch many dental emergencies during your preventive visits. Dr. Russell Schafer routinely checks for the beginnings of problems during your cleanings and exams so we can prevent a future dental emergency from even occurring. 

If it’s been a long time since your last dental cleaning, we recommend calling NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry today so we can identify and treat small oral issues. We also invite you to visit us if something just doesn’t feel right. 

Preventing and intervening can turn a potentially painful and stressful emergency into a comfortable treatment or restoration.  

Can I Save My Broken Tooth?emergency dentist new orleans | woman smiling

Saving your broken or damaged tooth can depend on how quickly we can treat it after the injury. The longer we wait, the more difficult it can be to repair, and in some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. 

If you have a damaged tooth because of an injury or trauma, following the next steps until you can see Dr. Schafer can help save the tooth. 

  • Rinse out your mouth 
  • Apply a cold pack for no longer than 20 minutes to help with inflammation
  • Reduce bleeding using gauze 
  • An over-the-counter pain reliever can reduce discomfort

Call to Schedule Your Next Dental Exam

Our primary goal is to protect your gorgeous smile. Regular dental checkups can stop dental emergencies at the door. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We are located in Gretna, just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Meet Our Doctor:

Russell Schafer , DDS | Gretna LA Dentist

Russell Schafer DDS

Dr. Russell Schafer is happy and proud to call New Orleans his home. He was born in New Orleans, raised in Pearl River, and attended Jesuit High School and graduated in 2003. He went to Rice University in Houston where he graduated with a bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering degree.  While at Rice, Dr. Schafer was a a cheerleader for all four years, active in Rice Catholic Student Association as well as student government, and tutored fellow students as well. Before attending dental school, Dr. Schafer spent ...

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