Most people can plan their preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care according to their own schedules. However, a dental emergency can upend even the best-laid plans. If you or a loved one requires an emergency dentist in Lafayette, LA, then it’s important to act quickly. Seeking immediate emergency dentistry services could save your dental, oral, and general health.
Dr. Michael J. Young provides competent and swift urgent dental care to the residents of Lafayette and the surrounding areas. If you have a dental emergency, then contact our office as soon as possible. In the meantime, Dr. Young will address some of your questions about dental crisis care here.
What is considered a dental emergency?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 2 million Americans visit an emergency room for dental pain each year. A dental emergency can include a wide range of issues, such as:
- Sudden trauma to the mouth
- A knocked-out, broken, cracked, or fractured tooth
- A damaged dental restoration or dental prosthetic
- A dental abscess or impacted wisdom tooth
- Extreme tooth decay and sensitivity
- Loose adult teeth
Ultimately, sudden pain, swelling, bleeding, or rapidly worsening conditions are all signs of a dental emergency. However, if you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to contact our office–we’ll help you get the care you need.
Ok, I definitely need an emergency dentist–what now?
First things first–remain calm and assess your situation. If you’re experiencing excessive damage, bleeding, and pain, the best option is to head to the nearest hospital. After receiving urgent medical care, then it’s best to contact an emergency dentist to reestablish and protect your oral health.
If you do not require urgent medical care, then contact our office as soon as possible. Dr. Young prioritizes urgent dental care in order to save your teeth and oral tissues from additional damage.
What do I do if one of my permanent teeth gets knocked out?
Dr. Young might be able to save a knocked-out permanent tooth if it is carefully preserved. While you’re waiting for your urgent dental appointment, try to keep the tooth moist.
You can do this by gently placing the tooth back in the socket. If that’s not possible, then either carefully keep the tooth in the side of your mouth or in a cup of milk. The protein and lactic acid in milk act to preserve the tooth’s root and cells from further damage.
I have a loose dental restoration–what do I do?
Whether it’s a loose dental filling, crown, or implant, try to leave it alone while you’re waiting for your dental appointment. So, avoid chewing on, brushing, or disturbing the loose restoration. Otherwise, you may accidentally swallow it if it falls off.
What do I do if I have a broken or cracked tooth?
To prevent the tooth from becoming infected before your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the area clean. To help with the pain and swelling, use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication.
Help! My jaw is swollen or won’t open!
Swelling in the jaw may indicate an infection or a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If you notice pus in your mouth along with jaw swelling, then it might be an abscessed tooth. Prevent the infection from spreading or worsening by rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater.
If you notice clicking when opening your jaw, then it might be a TMD. Try relaxing your jaw and using an over-the-counter mouthguard to take the pressure off the jaw joints before your dental appointment.
Emergency Dentist in Lafayette, LA
A dental crisis requires swift and proactive care. That’s why Dr. Michael J. Young and his skilled team are always ready to provide top-tier acute dentistry services. Don’t delay–call our office at (337) 237-6453.
Need urgent care after regular office hours? Text or call us at (337) 354-7681.
