Dental Emergencies in Baton Rouge
Dental emergencies require prompt attention, and Distinctive Smiles of Baton Rouge, LLC is here to help when urgent care is needed. Whether you are dealing with severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, our team works quickly to relieve your discomfort and protect your smile. If you have a dental emergency in Baton Rouge, LA , call (225) 218-9218 right away.
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Timely treatment can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. It can also prevent infections from spreading and complications from developing. We make every effort to see emergency patients as quickly as possible, and our team provides calm, compassionate care during what can be a stressful situation.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
- Severe toothaches and dental pain
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Knocked-out or loose teeth
- Dental abscesses, swelling, and infections
- Lost or broken fillings and crowns
- Injuries to the gums, lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Broken or damaged dentures
Diagnosis and Treatment
An emergency evaluation, including digital X-rays, helps us determine the cause of your pain and the best course of action. Depending on the problem, treatment may include a filling, root canal, crown, or extraction. If a tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss replacement options such as dental implants or a fixed bridge. For anxious patients, sedation dentistry is available to help you feel at ease.
What Do I Do If I Lose a Tooth?
Contact our office right away. If you lose a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown (the top), not the root, and keep it moist. You can try placing it back into the socket if that is not painful, or hold it between your cheek and gums. If that is not possible, placing it in milk can greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth. Getting to the dentist within an hour gives you the best chance of success.
What Do I Do If I Crack a Tooth?
If you crack a tooth or bite your tongue or lip, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. For toothaches or objects stuck between teeth, gently floss to clean the area and remove any debris. Do not put aspirin on your teeth or gums, and never use a sharp object to remove something from your teeth.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Wearing a mouthguard during sports and physical activity helps protect your teeth. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, and never use your teeth to cut or tear objects. Regular cleanings and exams also allow us to spot weakened teeth before they break. Children can be especially prone to dental injuries, so our pediatric dentistry team is here for young patients, too.
Follow-up care is provided to ensure proper healing and long-term oral health. If you have a dental emergency, contact us immediately at (225) 218-9218. If you have a life-threatening emergency or we are closed, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Dental Emergency FAQs
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or loose permanent tooth, a broken tooth, facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, and signs of infection are all dental emergencies that need prompt care.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown, keep it moist by placing it back in the socket or in milk, and call (225) 218-9218 right away. Treatment within an hour gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
How can I relieve a toothache at home?
Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove trapped food, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid placing aspirin on your gums and call our office for an appointment.
Is a broken tooth an emergency?
Yes. A broken or cracked tooth can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria and cause pain or infection, so it should be evaluated as soon as possible.
What should I do if a filling or crown falls out?
Save the crown if possible, keep the area clean, and avoid chewing on that side. Call us to schedule a visit so we can repair or replace it.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go to the emergency room if you have facial swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, a broken jaw, or any life-threatening injury.
Can dental emergencies be prevented?
Many can. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding hard foods, and keeping up with regular checkups all reduce the risk of dental emergencies.