When to Seek Emergency Dental Care in Lafayette

Dental emergencies can feel pretty overwhelming. You’re hurting, stressed out, and don’t know what to do next. Whether your tooth has been knocked out, suddenly hurts, or has been damaged, knowing when to seek an emergency dentist in Lafayette can make all the difference. At Barras Family Dentistry, we offer urgent dental care to relieve pain and protect your smile when you need it most.

Dr. Brock Barras says, “When you’re in severe dental pain or feeling traumatized, getting the right care quickly is crucial. We make every effort to see emergency cases the same day, to alleviate your pain and help reduce the risk of further complications.”

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but it’s important to know which conditions and circumstances might need urgent care to prevent long-term damage or worsening pain. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to contact an emergency dentist in Lafayette right away, we are here to help.

Common dental emergencies:

• Severe tooth pain: Persistent or throbbing pain that affects daily activities may indicate an infection or nerve damage.
• Knocked-out tooth: Quick action can sometimes save a tooth if reinserted very quickly.
• Cracked or broken teeth: Damage that exposes the inner layers of a tooth can lead to infection or sensitivity.
• Dental abscess: A pimple-like bump or painful lump on the gums may indicate an infection requiring immediate treatment.
• Lost or damaged restorations: A missing filling, crown, or bridge can leave teeth vulnerable to further damage.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: Trauma to the mouth that results in excessive bleeding should be addressed promptly.

If you aren’t sure whether your symptoms are an emergency, please call us. Our staff will be happy to help you determine if you need to be seen right away, or can schedule another time.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency may help minimize your discomfort and preserve your teeth until you can see a dentist. You might not be able to see the dentist at a moment’s notice, but taking the right steps now can help prevent further damage and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Steps to take while waiting to see the dentist:

• Severe toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications may help but don’t place aspirin directly on the gums.
• Knocked-out tooth: Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or holding it in your mouth. Try to reinsert it if possible.
• Broken tooth: Save any pieces, rinse your mouth, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Lost filling or crown: Use dental cement or even sugar-free gum to temporarily cover the tooth. Temporary dental cement or filling material is available at drug stores. Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Abscess or swelling: Rinse with warm salt water and seek immediate care to prevent the infection from spreading.

How Barras Family Dentistry Handles Emergency Cases

As a family and emergency dentist, Barras Family Dentistry understands the pain and stress dental emergencies can cause, and we want to help. We do our best to prioritize urgent cases so you can get relief and reassurance as soon as possible.

Our emergency services include:

• Same-day appointments: We aim to see emergency patients ASAP—the same day if possible.
• After-hours availability: For severe cases, we can offer after-hours guidance on what to do next.
• Gentle, effective pain relief: We focus on making patients comfortable while treating the issue.
• Comprehensive urgent dentistry: From extractions to root canals, we offer different types of care to address various dental emergencies.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While you may not be able to avoid every dental emergency, many can be prevented with the right precautions. Maintaining good oral health and protecting your teeth from injury can reduce the risk of unexpected dental problems.

Protective measures to prevent dental emergencies:

• Wear a mouthguard: Essential for contact sports and activities that could cause dental injuries.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental checkups help prevent decay and infections.
• Avoid chewing hard objects: Ice, pens, and hard candies can crack or damage teeth. Also, please avoid using your teeth as a tool!
• Address dental issues early: Treating minor tooth pain or sensitivity early may help prevent it from turning into an emergency or major problem.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Lafayette? Call Us Now.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Lafayette, don’t wait. Call Barras Family Dentistry right away to schedule an urgent appointment. Our team is here to provide prompt and compassionate care to relieve pain and help protect your smile.

Let us help you get back to feeling your best—contact us now for an emergency dental treatment!

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.