New Orleans dentist office, Barataria Dental, offers emergency tooth repair and treatment as part of our general dentistry offerings.
If your dental emergency is during regular office hours, contact us at
(504) 341-3120. Contact our answering service for further information if your emergency occurs after office hours.
We strive to respond quickly to all dental emergency situations. We set aside time daily to treat patients with dental emergency needs. To fit you into our schedule best, please get in touch with us as early in the day as possible.
It is essential to seek immediate attention for dental emergencies to avoid costly or permanent damage. The most common dental emergencies are a toothache, pain in the teeth, gums, or jaws, broken teeth, knocked out a tooth, broken fillings, or swelling of the gums or mouth.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Dental emergencies can be scary. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How can I tell if I’m experiencing a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is anything that needs to be taken care of immediately. For instance, a chipped tooth can be a mild cosmetic issue that doesn’t require treatment. When a bigger piece breaks off, it can cause extreme pain and expose nerves. It causes trouble chewing and eating without pain. This is something that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
What do I do with a broken or lost filling or crown?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Do not use temporary measures to replace the filling or re-glue the crown. Avoid eating certain foods, such as hard candies, while your tooth is unprotected. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help to ease pain and discomfort.
What do I do if I have a toothache?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Try brushing and flossing teeth to remove debris or lodged food. If the tooth is broken or fractured, do not take temporary measures to repair or fix the tooth. Avoid certain foods that may cause irritation or pain. If you experience any swelling, a cold compress may be applied to the outside of the mouth or cheek. If you experience facial swelling, fever, tenderness in the glands, or severe pain, contact us immediately, as it may indicate an abscess or serious infection.
What do I do if I knock out my tooth?
Contact our office immediately. If possible, retrieve the tooth, holding it carefully by the crown (the part usually exposed in the mouth). If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse with water, but do not scrub or remove attached tissue. You may store the tooth in your own saliva or milk. Knocked-out teeth are most likely to survive if returned to the socket within an hour of being knocked out.
Do I have an abscess?
Contact our office immediately. An abscess is a serious condition that can possibly spread an infection to other parts of the body if not treated quickly. An abscess may not be visible and could be at the root of a tooth, causing a severe toothache between teeth or on the gum. To ease discomfort, you may rinse with a mild saltwater solution. Do not attempt to open or drain the abscess.
When is an emergency tooth extraction needed?
When your tooth risks your oral health, it’s time to go to the dentist. Severe pain, breakage, or decay all warrant an emergency visit to your dentist. The dentist will do their best to salvage the tooth root and not completely remove the tooth. However, there may be overwhelming amounts of damage, and they may be unable to save the tooth.