Emergency dentistry addresses urgent dental issues that require immediate attention. Delays in evaluation or treatment can worsen the condition and lead to more severe complications. Common dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, tooth damage or loss, and infections. Our emergency dentistry services are part of the comprehensive dental services we offer in New Orleans, LA.
We’re here to meet all your oral health needs. At Canatella Dental, we strive to provide quick and effective emergency dental care, ensuring patients receive the necessary treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can vary widely in nature and severity. Some common types include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Tooth damage, such as cracks or breaks
- Knocked-out teeth
- Infections and abscesses
- Lost fillings or crowns
Each type of emergency requires a specific approach to treatment. Understanding these emergencies can help you act quickly and seek the appropriate care. Knowing the symptoms and causes of these common issues can also aid in prevention.
Emergency Dentistry Services in New Orleans, LA
As an emergency dentist, Dr. Canatella can provide urgent dental care for these oral health problems:
Severe Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain often signals a serious dental issue. It may indicate decay, infection, or an abscess. Immediate care is essential to prevent further complications.
First, take an over-the-counter pain medication if you feel severe tooth pain at home. Use a cold compress if you have swelling and call our office for care.
Our dental care team can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. Pain relief options may include medications, root canal therapy, or other dental procedures. Ignoring severe tooth pain can lead to more significant problems, including the spread of infection.
Tooth Damage
Tooth damage includes cracks, chips, or breaks. This damage can occur from accidents, sports injuries, or biting hard objects.
If you have a damaged tooth, don’t bite on the same side to minimize further damage. Quick treatment can save the tooth and prevent further issues. Dr. Canatella may use dental bonding, crowns, or other restorative procedures to repair the damaged tooth. It’s crucial to seek immediate care to preserve the tooth’s structure and function.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is a critical dental emergency. If handled correctly, immediate action can save the tooth. As soon as you lose a tooth, try to locate it if you can. Gently rinse the tooth in cool water to remove debris. You can try to place the tooth back in its socket by gently biting down. Call our office if this doesn’t work.
To keep the tooth moist, place it in a cup of saliva. Dr. Canatella can often reimplant the tooth if treated within an hour. Time is of the essence in these situations, so quick action is vital.
Dental Infections and Abscesses
A tooth infection or abscess is more than just a toothache. It’s a serious problem that needs quick treatment. If left untreated, these infections can cause pain, make your face swell, and even spread to other areas.
How to know if you have an infected tooth:
- Throbbing pain that won’t go away
- Swollen gums or face
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Fever or feeling sick
Signs of a dental abscess include:
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen jaw or cheek
At Canatella Dental, we can help by draining the infection and giving you medicine to fight it. We may also prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading.
Remember to never ignore a tooth infection. What starts as a toothache can turn into a much bigger health problem. If you notice any of these warning signs, call us right away. Getting treatment quickly can stop the pain and prevent more serious issues.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
A lost filling or dental crown can expose the tooth to damage and decay. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and discomfort. If you just lost your filling or crown, try to find it and bring it to our office.
Emergency dental care can replace or repair the lost filling or crown. We can provide temporary or permanent solutions to protect the tooth. It’s important to seek care promptly to avoid further damage to the exposed tooth.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
The best way to deal with dental emergencies is to stop them before they happen. Here are some simple ways to protect your teeth and avoid unexpected trips to the dentist:
- Make Routine Visits: First, visit your dentist regularly for checkups. These routine visits help catch small problems before they turn into big emergencies. Our dentist can spot early signs of trouble that you might not notice yourself.
- Brush and Floss Every Day: Good daily habits make a big difference too. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. This basic care prevents cavities and gum disease that could lead to painful infections later.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Be careful with your teeth in daily life. Don’t use them to open packages or bite hard objects like ice or candy. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injuries.
Remember, taking small steps now can save you from pain, trouble, and expensive treatments later. Your smile is worth protecting!
What is Not a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires emergency dentistry services in our New Orleans, LA office. Many common problems can safely wait for a regular dental appointment. Understanding which situations aren’t urgent can help you avoid unnecessary stress and after-hours visits.
- Small Tooth Chips: A small chip in your tooth that doesn’t cause pain isn’t an emergency. As long as the chip is minor and you’re not experiencing discomfort, you can schedule a repair within a few days. We can recommend tooth bonding to fix the look of your tooth.
- Mild Tooth Sensitivity: If you sometimes feel discomfort when eating hot or cold foods but the pain goes away quickly, you probably don’t need emergency treatment. You may also not need immediate care for a dull toothache that comes and goes. Still, we recommend scheduling an appointment.
- Food Stuck Between Teeth: If you have food stuck between your teeth, try to gently floss first. You can also try to use a toothpick or water flosser to remove the object. Contact our office if you can’t remove the object.
Call Our Dental Office
Get emergency dentistry treatments in New Orleans, LA, at Canatella Dental. Call Dr. Canatella today at 504-385-1092. If you need treatment but don’t have an emergency, request an appointment online.