Dental emergency in St. Louis. It’s hard to imagine how disruptive a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, while we encourage everyone to get their routine check-ups, we leave enough time in our schedule to help those suffering from a dental emergency get the treatment they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in St. Louis, call Plaza at 314-361-1818 to get an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in St. Louis
We know no one wakes up expecting to make an emergency trip to a St. Louis dentist’s office. But Plaza is here to help. Our experienced dental team is well-equipped to handle various dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona prides himself on treating every patient as if he were treating his own family to ensure a positive experience. Early on in his career, Dr. Cutrona was able to treat large complex cases in an educational setting that most dentists aren’t exposed to for years after graduation, making Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified for taking on dental emergencies in the St. Louis area.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. Despite your experiences with other dentists in the St. Louis area, we believe there’s never a reason to have an unpleasant experience in the dental chair, especially one that discourages people from seeking the dental care they need in the future. We routinely goes out of our way to make sure our patients are comfortable and relaxed.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:
- Accidents and injuries to the mouth and face
- Untreated dental decay or cavities
- Poor oral hygiene leading to gum disease
- Sports-related injuries
- Chewing hard or sticky foods
- Biting on objects that are not intended for oral use
- Ignoring dental pain or discomfort
Types of Dental Emergencies and What to Do About Them
What to do during a dental emergency in St. Louis depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips, to fractures or having a tooth completely knocked out, a tooth breaking or being knocked out can happen because of accidents or biting on hard objects. It always requires immediate attention.
What to do for a tooth fracture:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling
- Contact your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (the top), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, without forcing it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or saliva
- Seek dental assistance within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or an abscess. The pain can be intense and persistent, requiring immediate attention to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to alleviate discomfort
- Use dental floss to remove any debris or food particles that might be causing the pain
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
- Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth to sensitivity, pain, and further damage. Seeking prompt dental care is necessary to restore the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration repair or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a severe infection that affects the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause excruciating pain, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or an injury to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist for an appointment to determine the cause of bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, leading to pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a scarf, tie, or towel to prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency room
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and lead to pain or swelling. Carefully removing the object without causing further damage is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently remove the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp or pointed objects to prevent injury
- If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for assistance in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or become loose, causing oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to prevent further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in St. Louis
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some may be fixed with at-home methods while others can be checked out if you have you a dental examination coming up. However, certain situations call for the expertise of an emergency dentist in St. Louis. Call an emergency dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that persists and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled pain or swelling due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to contact Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and provide appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in St. Louis
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best treatment method is always prevention. Here are some tips for avoiding a dental emergency in St. Louis:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens
- Be cautious when eating sticky or tough foods
- Address dental problems promptly to prevent them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Emergency in St. Louis
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and seeking the assistance of a trusted St. Louis emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, we are committed to ensuring all St. Louis residents get the dental care they need, no matter how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an accident or have a nagging toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your dental emergency in St. Louis.