Emergency Dentist — West Monroe, LA
Relieving Pain & Rebuilding Smiles
It happens when you’re least expecting it, maybe while preparing for a big presentation at work or running around with your children on the playground. Suddenly, a serious dental injury takes place in the blink of an eye, or a dull oral discomfort bursts into searing pain. Your busy schedule and obligations won’t stop for these types of issues, so how do you find the relief you need fast?
At the dental office of Dr. L. King Scott, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies very well. That’s why our team will make every effort to see these patients for emergency dentistry in West Monroe, LA as soon as possible following their initial call. We can also provide assistance over the phone if you’re unable to reach our West Monroe, LA location right away for whatever reason. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
Why Choose L. King Scott Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?
- Works Hard to See You the Same Day
- Dentist Holds Over 40 Years of Experience
- Sedation Dentistry Available in Modern Dental Office
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- When you get in touch with our office, you’ll be met with a friendly team member who’s prepared to take note of your symptoms and get you scheduled for an emergency visit as soon as possible. Our team is also ready to offer first-aid advice to prevent future harm to your smile.
- After you reach our office in-person, we’ll get you to one of our operatories so that Dr. Scott can perform an exam. Emergency exams may require X-rays if the problem is not easily visible. He’ll also do what he can to stop your discomfort.
- Once the exam is complete, Dr. Scott will provide you with a personalized treatment plan that works to prevent the emergency from coming back and get your oral health back on the right track. Our office will make sure you understand the costs ahead of time as well as how long we believe your care will take to complete.
- Depending on your emergency, we’ll be able to either complete your care the same day or schedule it for a separate appointment. The services we typically perform to treat dental emergencies include dental fillings and crowns, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can come in many forms, some of which aren’t always so clear. If you’ve experienced a dental emergency and are unsure of what to do, you can find some guidelines below for how best to handle them ahead of your emergency dental appointment.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
- Schedule checkups and cleanings every six months with Dr. Scott! Our team will be able to identify any potential damage or infection very early on in its development, potentially saving you from an emergency situation later down the road.
- Do your best to avoid foods that are extremely tough or sticky. Also, don’t chew on cubes of ice.
- Always wear an oral appliance if you regularly play sports and/or suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding). A custom-made model from our dental office is best for long-term stability and reliability.
- Rely on scissors to open your packaging and not the teeth.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
No one ever expects to need an emergency dentist in West Monroe, but oral health issues often occur suddenly and without any warning. If you’re like many people, you might not know what to do, which can make a difficult time even more stressful. Don’t worry, we’re here for you. We’ll get you into the dental office quickly and provide first aid tips over the phone. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us to calm your nerves.
Should I go to the hospital or an emergency dentist?
When a dental emergency strikes, your first instinct might be to head to the closest hospital, but this may not always be the best option. Although they can provide antibiotics and pain relievers, they aren’t equipped to handle oral health issues. As a result, they can’t treat the underlying problem, like a knocked-out or broken tooth. Unless you’re having a medical emergency, it’s always best to contact a dentist. We can provide you with the quick care you need to stop your pain and save your smile.
Can I wait to see an emergency dentist?
No one has time in their schedule for an unplanned trip to the dentist. You might be tempted to wait to see your dentist until your next preventive visit, but we urge you to contact our dental office right away, even if you aren’t in any pain. As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. If you wait too long to get the treatment you need, you might lose your tooth. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we offer flexible dental office hours and use the latest technologies, so you can get back to focusing on your daily responsibilities quickly.
It is better to have my tooth extracted?
If you have a damaged or infected tooth, extracting it will eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, it opens the door to many costly issues down the road. Each tooth is crucial to a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, and additional tooth loss. You will need to invest in a prosthetic to fill the space to preserve your remaining teeth, which can get expensive. It’s always best to save your tooth whenever possible, such as with a root canal. We will do everything we can to rehabilitate your smile. If an extraction is the only option, we’ll explain your replacement options, like using a dental implant.
Can I use my dental insurance for emergency services?
Every plan differs, but many dental insurances can be used to help offset the amount you pay out-of-pocket. You can use your coverage to lower the cost of certain steps in your treatment, like the consultation or X-rays. We’ll help you maximize your dental benefits to keep your care affordable. If there’s any remaining balance, we’ll explain your payment options, like third-party financing. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to restore your smile without draining your wallet.