What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental injuries are commonplace. Teeth can easily be chipped, broken, or knocked loose during contact sports. Tooth fractures are caused by biting hard objects or cavities. Our dental team is committed to helping patients heal their teeth and gums after accidents. We can evaluate and treat dental injuries, lost teeth, and tooth pain in our office. Please contact our office if you ever have a dental emergency. Depending on your specific needs, we will provide you with a dental restoration or find the source of your tooth pain. We offer dental emergency services to patients in Destrehan, LA.

Dental Emergency in Destrehan, LA

Top Dental Emergency Tips in Destrehan, LA

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

  • Knocked-out Permanent Tooth: Rinse the tooth in cool water. Then, try gently placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. Gently bite down to see if the tooth stays in place. If that is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of saliva to transport to our office. You may also keep the tooth in your cheek. Keeping the tooth moist will increase your chances of saving the tooth. However, we can offer dental implant treatment if we cannot save the tooth. Implants are sturdy posts made of titanium metal that replace missing teeth at the root.
  • Chipped or Cracked Tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. You can place cold compresses on the face to keep swelling down. Contact our office, and we can help plan a cosmetic restoration for your tooth.
  • Bitten Tongue or Lip: If you have just bit your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. Applying pressure to the area if it is bleeding can help prevent excessive bleeding.
  • Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If any food is caught between teeth that is causing the tooth pain, dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth gently. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. Instead, take pain medicine and call our office. Sometimes, tooth decay, gum disease, a dental injury, or even an object stuck between teeth can cause toothaches. We will find the source of your tooth pain and provide the appropriate treatment.

Preventing Dental Injuries

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid accidents and injuries to your teeth:

  • Wear a custom sports mouthguard if you play contact sports
  • Avoid chewing on hard foods that can crack teeth, like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
  • Never use your teeth to cut or open things
  • Wear a night guard if you have problems clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep

Do you have a sudden or severe dental problem? Call Dr. Melanie Andrews for care today at (985) 231-2770. You may schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Andrews and her team online if you have a dental problem that does not require emergency dental care.