Off the Trace Dental’s Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Jaw Pain
Dental emergencies can leave us vulnerable to unexpected injuries, including those affecting the jaw. Jaw injuries can range from fractures and dislocations to severe pain and swelling, all of which demand immediate attention. When dealing with facial trauma, the importance of emergency dentistry becomes evident.
In many cases of emergency jaw injuries, our Slidell dentist advises visiting an emergency room. If you’re unsure of what steps to take, please contact our dental practice at (985) 326-1711. We also proudly serve patients coming from Taft, Ama, Holden, and the surrounding areas.
Common Jaw Dental Emergencies in Slidell, LA
Fractured Jaw
A fractured jaw can result from accidents or trauma to the face. If you suspect a fractured, broken, or dislocated jaw, immobilize the jaw by gently wrapping a cloth or scarf around it. Seek immediate emergency dental care for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
Dislocated Jaw
A dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jawbone (mandible) becomes unhinged from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Don’t attempt to force the jaw back into place. Instead, seek immediate dental care, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth With Jaw Impact
If a knocked-out tooth is accompanied by jaw impact, it may indicate a more severe injury. Preserve the tooth in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental care promptly to assess the jaw and tooth condition.
Severe Jaw Pain and Swelling
Intense jaw pain and swelling can be indicative of various dental issues, including abscesses, infections, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Seek emergency dental care to diagnose the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Lockjaw (Trismus)
Lockjaw is the inability to open the mouth or face jaw joint, often due to muscle spasms or inflammation. This condition can be caused by dental infections or jaw injuries. Seek dental attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Loose or Dislodged Teeth
Dental injuries that cause loose or dislodged teeth should be treated promptly to prevent further damage. Seek emergency dental care, and avoid touching the root of the tooth when handling it.
Bleeding from the Mouth
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth can occur due to injuries or dental conditions. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze and head to an emergency dental clinic for immediate assessment.
Severe TMJ Pain
Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be debilitating. If you experience severe TMJ pain or have difficulty moving your jaw, seek emergency dental care for evaluation and pain management.
Foreign Object Stuck in the Jaw
If a foreign object gets lodged in the jaw or mouth, avoid using sharp or pointed tools to remove it. Seek immediate dental attention for safe removal.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful infection that can occur in the jaw, gums, or teeth. If you suspect a dental abscess, seek emergency dental care to prevent the infection from spreading.
Signs and Symptoms of Jaw Trauma Near Holden, LA
A jaw injury can be painful and alarming, and recognizing the signs and symptoms is essential for timely intervention. If you experience any of the following, it may indicate a jaw injury:
- Pain and Discomfort: Persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw area, especially while chewing or speaking, could indicate injury.
- Swelling and Bruising: Visible swelling or bruising around the jaw, cheeks, or mouth can indicate trauma.
- Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully may be a result of a jaw injury.
- Misaligned Bite: If your teeth no longer fit together correctly, it could be a sign of a jaw injury.
- Popping or Clicking Sounds: Unusual sounds or sensations in the jaw joint when moving your jaw may indicate an issue.
- Numbness or Tingling: Loss of feeling or tingling in the jaw or surrounding areas can signal nerve involvement.
- Bleeding or Open Wounds: Injuries with open wounds or bleeding should receive immediate attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident or injury, contact our emergency dentist in Slidell for what to do next.
Seeking Emergency Dental Services Near You
When faced with a jaw injury, seeking emergency dental care is paramount. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact an Emergency Dentist: Look for a dental office that provides emergency services and call them immediately. Explain the situation and the nature of the injury.
- Apply Cold Compress: While waiting for dental care, apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Avoid Chewing or Stressing the Jaw: Refrain from eating hard or chewy foods and avoid activities that put stress on the jaw to prevent further damage.
- Control Bleeding: If there’s any bleeding, gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding subsides.
- Do Not Attempt Self-Treatment: Avoid trying to realign a dislocated jaw or reinsert knocked-out teeth yourself. Leave these tasks to trained dental professionals.
Emergency Dentistry Treatments for Facial Trauma
Splinting
Splinting is a common treatment for a jaw fracture. It involves securing the jaw in a stable position using wires, braces, or bands to allow the bones to heal. Splinting provides support and immobilizes the jaw during the recovery process.
Wiring
In cases of a severely dislocated jaw, wiring the jaw shut may be necessary. This involves aligning the fractured or dislocated parts of the jaw and using wires to hold them in place. Wiring the jaw helps in proper healing and prevents further movement of the injured jaw.
Surgical Repair
Complex jaw injuries, such as facial fractures or a broken jaw, may require surgical intervention. Oral surgeons are trained to perform procedures like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to realign and stabilize the broken jaw using screws, plates, or wires.
Physical Therapy Exercises
In some cases, physical therapy exercises may be recommended to improve jaw mobility and strengthen the muscles around the jaw joint. Physical therapy can play a crucial role in restoring normal jaw function.
Best Pharmacies to Visit Near Off the Trace Dental
Dr. Pamela Daigle can offer prescriptions or notes on the best cold compresses to use to treat jaw pain. If you need a place to stop by to look for emergency dental care items before or after your dental appointment, consider the following:
- Sam’s Club Pharmacy: 181 Northshore Blvd, Slidell, LA 70460
- Walgreen’s Pharmacy: 2180 Gause Blvd W, Slidell, LA 70460
- Family Drug Mart: 140 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458
- Alfonso Pharmacy: 1203 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458
- The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy: 999 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458
- CVS Pharmacy: 1305 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find an emergency dentist near me?
If you’re searching for emergency dental care near Slidell, LA, look no further than Off The Trace Dental. Dr. Pamela Daigle offers prompt, compassionate care for dental emergencies like toothaches, broken teeth, abscesses, and more. Whether you’re a current patient or a first-time visitor, our team is ready to help. Call us at (985) 214-2844 for same-day appointments.
Is an emergency dentist affordable?
Yes, emergency dental care can be affordable, especially at offices like Off The Trace Dental that offer transparent pricing and payment options. While costs vary depending on the procedure, we work hard to make urgent dental services accessible—whether you have insurance or not. Many practices also offer financing or in-house membership plans to ease the burden of unexpected dental expenses.
Can emergency dentists prescribe painkillers?
Yes, an emergency dentist can prescribe pain medication if you’re experiencing severe discomfort due to a dental issue like an abscessed tooth, trauma, or infection. After assessing your condition, Dr. Daigle may provide pain relief, antibiotics, or other prescriptions as needed to stabilize your oral health until further treatment can be done.
How do emergency dentists work?
Emergency dentists provide immediate care for urgent dental issues such as severe pain, trauma, swelling, or infection. At Off The Trace Dental, our emergency services begin with a same-day evaluation, followed by pain management and treatment to address the root of the issue. We aim to relieve your pain quickly, prevent complications, and guide you through next steps—whether that’s a filling, extraction, root canal, or follow-up care.
Extreme Jaw Pain? Don’t Wait to Seek an Emergency Dentist in Slidell
An injury to the jawbone can be painful and disruptive, but with the proper knowledge and preparedness, individuals can navigate dental emergencies with confidence. Contact our Slidell emergency dentist today by calling (985) 326-1711 to schedule an appointment. We also proudly serve patients coming from Taft, Ama, Holden, and the surrounding areas.