La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
A cracked molar at dinner, a throbbing toothache that kept you up all night, or a child's tooth knocked loose at the park can leave you wondering who to call and how fast. Across Wisconsin's Coulee Region, our team at Rivertown Dental is ready to help from four offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua. If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
Emergency dentistry is prompt care for dental problems that cannot wait for a routine appointment. It helps patients of every age, from children as young as 2 to grandparents, and it covers sudden injuries as well as problems that have been building quietly and finally flared up. Because we are a family practice, the same doctors who handle your cleanings can also step in when something goes wrong.
Patients often call us about situations like these:
- A severe or lingering toothache
- A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- A lost filling or crown
- A tooth that has been knocked loose or out
- Swelling, tenderness or signs of infection around a tooth or the gums
If swelling ever makes it hard to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care right away. For most other dental problems, calling us early gives you the best chance of keeping things simple.
When you call, our team will ask what happened, where it hurts and how long it has been bothering you. That helps us find the earliest opening and prepare for your visit. In Arcadia, four bilingual team members can help Spanish-speaking families through the process.
At your appointment, your dentist will examine the area and take digital X-rays when needed to see what is happening below the surface. Then we explain what we found in plain language, walk through your options and answer your questions. There is never any judgment about how long it has been since your last visit. Our goal is to relieve your discomfort and help you make a clear decision.
What treatment might I need for a dental emergency?
The right treatment depends on the cause of the problem, and we may handle it in a single visit or plan follow-up care. A small chip or lost filling may need only a dental filling. A larger break may call for a crown, and many of our offices offer same-day CEREC crowns, so a damaged tooth can sometimes be restored without a long wait. Our on-site dental lab also supports restorative work close to home.
When pain comes from an infected nerve, root canal therapy can treat the inside of the tooth so it can often be kept. If a tooth cannot be saved, we provide extractions and can talk with you about tooth replacement options such as bridges or dental implants, which we place and restore in-house. For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide, including for children, and IV sedation for adults. Our Ascent Experience comfort touches, like warm towelettes, blankets, support pillows, headphones and essential oils, help make a stressful day a little easier.
How do I care for my mouth after emergency treatment?
Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that fit the specific treatment you received, and following them closely is the most important step in healing well. Depending on your care, that might include guidance on eating, brushing around the treated area and managing any tenderness.
Aftercare also means looking ahead. If you need a follow-up visit to complete a crown or other treatment, we will schedule it before you leave. Regular exams and cleanings help us spot weak fillings, cracks and early gum problems before they turn into urgent ones. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us whether a night mouth guard might help protect them.
How can I pay for emergency dental care?
We work with many dental insurance plans, and we recommend calling your office to confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients, and we will review costs with you before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
For patients without insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids options with cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. These plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who qualify, subject to each lender's approval.
When a dental emergency strikes, you do not have to face it alone or travel far for help. Call the Rivertown Dental office nearest you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua, and our team will work to find you the earliest opening and get you on the path to relief. Dentistry, Done Differently.
Questions
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency in the Coulee Region?
If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
How much does emergency dental care cost, and do you take insurance?
The cost depends on what your tooth needs, so we will explain your options and costs before we start any treatment. We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call your office in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to confirm your coverage. If you do not have insurance, we offer the Rivertown Membership Plans, accept self-pay patients and offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who qualify.
Will emergency treatment hurt?
We focus on keeping you as comfortable as possible during emergency care, and we never judge how long it has been since your last visit. We offer nitrous oxide for children and IV sedation for adults who want extra help relaxing. Through The Ascent Experience, you can also ask for comforts like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones or essential oils.
What kinds of problems count as a dental emergency?
A severe toothache, a broken or cracked tooth, a lost filling or crown, or swelling and pain in your mouth are all good reasons to call us right away. Our general dentists see patients of all ages, including children from age 2. If you are not sure whether your problem is urgent, call us and our team will help you decide on next steps.
What happens at an emergency visit, and how long does it take?
The length of your visit depends on what we find, and we start with an exam and digital X-rays to understand the problem. Depending on your needs, treatment may include a filling, root canal therapy, a simple extraction or a same-day CEREC crown. We will explain what we recommend, what to expect while you heal and whether you need a follow-up visit.