Emergency Dentist La Crosse
Don’t Let Dental Pain Ruin Your Day
When it comes to dental pain, whether it’s a toothache or broken/knocked-out tooth, we encourage our patients to reach out to us without hesitation. At All Smiles Implants and Family Dental, we pride ourselves on being able to see people quickly, often on the same day as their call, and deliver the care and relief they need immediately. There’s no need to delay or tough it out—reach out to our La Crosse emergency dentist right now so we can fix whatever the problem is right away!
Why Choose All Smiles Implants and Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointments
- CEREC One-Visit Dental Crowns
- In-House Root Canals for Toothaches
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Initial Call: The quickest way to get in touch with us is to call our office. On the phone, we’ll ask about your symptoms, let you know if you need to come in, and offer first-aid tips to keep you comfortable until then.
- Exam/Treatment Plan: Once you reach us, we’ll examine your mouth to determine the source and extent of your issue, and then we’ll propose how we can treat it, going over the various procedures and their associated costs so you know what to expect.
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Delivery of Care: Using the agreed-upon plan, we’ll treat your smile and make sure to stop your pain. Thanks to our team’s experience and technology, we’re able to complete many procedures in one appointment so you hopefully won’t need a follow-up.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
What qualifies as a dental emergency? There are several situations! Below you’ll find the most common ones we encounter, along with helpful icons that show what type of dental emergency it is. We recommend calling us at the first sign of any dental concern. It’s always safer to be cautious with your teeth!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
There is no reason to wait when it comes to addressing a dental emergency. At All Smiles Implants and Family Dental, our emergency dentist in La Crosse, Dr. Saphner, is here to provide the immediate assistance you need with same-day appointments. But instead of waiting for something bad to happen, wouldn’t it be easier to try and prevent dental injuries? Read on to discover a few helpful tips that will keep your smile free of damage day after day.
Maintain Six-Month Routine Visits
Regular dental exams and cleanings every six months are pivotal when attempting to avoid dental emergencies. The reason is that while many cannot be avoided (i.e., knocked-out teeth), others can be mitigated (i.e., toothache). These frequent visits allow our team to review your smile and check for any existing damage or problem areas that might lead to worsening decay. In turn, we can administer treatment early on so that your smile doesn’t succumb to serious damage.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your at-home oral hygiene routine is important if you want to minimize your chances of developing a toothache, sensitivity, or other common oral health problems. You must be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. You’ll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You’ll also need to floss between your teeth at least once a day so that bacteria do not build in the crevices of your smile. Before wrapping up your routine, rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash can eliminate any remaining bacteria on your teeth for a healthier smile.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Too much sugar and starch can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. By trading chips and cookies for fresh fruits and lean meats, you will not only appreciate the decreasing number on the scale but also the improvement in the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Saphner will notice a significant difference in how your pearly whites look when performing a dental checkup and cleaning. Instead of rushing off to seek restorative care for a cavity or gum disease, you can enjoy a healthier life and smile.
Wear a Mouthguard to Protect Your Teeth
Playing sports may be a great way to stay in shape or pass the time, but it can spell disaster for your smile if you’re not careful. Wearing a protective mouthguard is important if you want to spend more time playing the game you love. Our team can create a customized sportsguard that fits over your top row of teeth and acts as a barrier against anything that might cause unnecessary pressure and damage. Designed to fit your mouth comfortably and correctly, it will prove more effective than anything you might find at a local sporting goods store.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Your teeth may be durable and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear, but they are not tools to be used to open packages, containers, or bottles. They can still crack, break, and suffer significant damage, which is why you should always reach for the scissors, pliers, or any other tool when opening things. This will not only make it easier, but you’ll avoid a potentially dangerous situation that requires immediate dental help.
Understanding the Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
When you're overwhelmed by a dental emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is how much it’s going to cost to fix it. At All Smiles Implants and Family Dental, Dr. Saphner and our friendly team focus on immediate relief followed by long-term solutions.
Because every situation is unique, treatment costs can vary based on the severity of the problem and the procedure required. From a simple filling to an emergency root canal, we’ll be sure to tell you exactly what to expect financially before beginning your treatment.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
No two dental emergencies are exactly alike, which is why it’s impossible to give you an estimate before your consultation. For example, a chipped tooth might only need cosmetic bonding, while a severe fracture may require a crown or extraction.
Toothaches are often a sign of decay that needs a filling or a root canal. Knocked-out teeth, gum injuries, or broken restorations each come with their own procedures and price ranges.
Once we see you, we can evaluate your condition quickly, explain your treatment options, and give you an itemized estimate of total costs. This way, you can make an informed decision about restoring your smile before treatment begins.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Yes! In many cases, dental insurance can help reduce the cost of emergency care. This is another reason why we encourage our patients to invest in it if they can. Our La Crosse office is in-network with most major insurance plans, and we’re happy to file claims for patients who have out-of-network coverage, too.
This ensures you can maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses, no matter what situation you’re in. If you’re unsure what your plan covers, our expert team will be glad to review the details with you before treatment begins.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
We understand that emergencies don’t always align with your budget. That’s why All Smiles Implants and Family Dental offers flexible options to keep care within reach, such as:
- CareCredit Financing: Apply for low or no-interest payment plans that allow you to split your dental costs into affordable monthly installments.
- All Smiles Club: Our in-house savings plan acts like insurance for the uninsured, offering zero cost preventive care and discounts on additional treatments. This can help you avoid high unexpected blows to your budget.
Whether or not you have dental insurance, these options give you peace of mind knowing you can access quality emergency care when you need it most.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
While we’re always here to help during an emergency—and we love seeing you—prevention is the best way to avoid unexpected visits. Regular checkups, cleanings, and early treatments protect you from bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
For example, catching a cavity during a routine exam can prevent it from turning into a root canal later. The cost difference between these two procedures is significant, so it pays to keep your teeth brushed, flossed, and professionally maintained.
Our La Crosse team encourages patients to stick to a strong at-home routine and schedule regular visits with us. The ADA and CDC suggest that every dollar spent on prevention may save up to $50 in future dental costs, so by investing in your oral health today, you reduce your financial burden tomorrow.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Will a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Teeth cannot heal on their own, so even though toothache pain may wax and wane, the underlying cause is unlikely to resolve on its own. In fact, the issue is only likely to worsen. One exception to the rule is if the pain stems from near a tooth rather than the teeth themselves. For example, sinus pressure or a minor gum injury can cause discomfort that seems like it is coming from the teeth. As the problem goes away, the pain should subside.
A toothache might also disappear if the nerve inside the tooth dies. However, the infection that killed the tooth can still continue to cause damage to nearby tissues.
As an emergency dentist in La Crosse, we strongly advise you to schedule an appointment if you experience persistent or intense tooth pain. The sooner you receive care, the sooner you can find lasting relief!
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
Sleeping with tooth pain can be challenging, but several strategies may help improve comfort:
- Elevate your head with an extra pillow to help reduce blood flow to the affected area and minimize throbbing sensations.
- Avoid cold, hot, or sugary foods before bedtime to decrease discomfort and inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to help manage discomfort while you sleep.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if swelling is present. (Do not fall asleep while applying the cold compress; simply use it before bed.)
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
For most dental emergencies, it is best to contact a dental practice that provides urgent care. Dental professionals are specifically trained to diagnose and treat oral health issues, such as toothaches, abscesses, and broken teeth. Emergency rooms may not have the expertise or equipment required for dental procedures and often refer patients to a dentist after initial care.
However, if you experience severe swelling that impedes breathing or swallowing, or if you have suffered significant facial trauma, you should seek immediate attention at the emergency room.
If you ever have any doubts about whom to visit for emergency care, call our office and describe the situation. We can advise you on your next steps.
Is a Tooth Extraction Cheaper Than Root Canal Treatment?
Tooth extraction is generally less expensive upfront compared to root canal treatment. However, the long-term costs and effects should also be considered. Removing a tooth can lead to shifting of the remaining teeth, bone loss, and changes in your bite. Preventing these issues can require the additional expense of a dental implant or other forms of tooth replacement.
Root canal treatment, on the other hand, preserves your natural tooth and eliminates infection, often making it a more cost-effective solution over time. Our dental team will discuss both options with you and help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.
Are Swollen Gums an Emergency?
Swollen gums can indicate a range of issues, from minor irritation to serious infection. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, bleeding, pus, or fever, it may be a sign of an abscess or advanced gum disease, both of which can require urgent attention. Early intervention can prevent the spread of infection and protect your overall health.
If you are unsure if your swollen gums constitute an emergency, call us and let us know what is happening. We may advise you to visit us right away, or we might give tips on at-home care until it is more convenient for you to see us.
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