Dental emergency in Bel-Nor, MO. It’s hard to conceive how disruptive a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Nor, MO, while we encourage everyone to get their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to aid those experiencing from a dental emergency obtain the treatment they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Bel-Nor, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Bel-Nor, MO
We understand how no one awakens hoping for an unforeseen visit to a dentist’s office in Bel-Nor, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is readily available to help. Our knowledgeable dental team is fully prepared to handle diverse dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care every patient with the same level of care and attention he would provide to his own family, ensuring a favorable treatment. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained crucial expertise by dealing with complicated and intricate cases in an educational context that many dentists typically don’t experience until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to handle dental emergencies in Bel-Nor, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Regardless of your previous encounters with other dentists in Bel-Nor, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad experience in the dental chair, specifically one that deters people from pursuing required dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to make sure that our patients become at ease and calm during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- 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 Bel-Nor, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips to more severe fractures, or even the complete loss of a tooth, tooth fractures can occur as a result of various incidents, including accidents or biting on hard objects.
What to do for a tooth fracture:
- Flush your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Apply a chilled compress to the swollen region in order to reduce swelling
- Contact your dentist right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it by the crown (upper part), making sure to avoid the bottom part
- Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Attempt to place back the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a receptacle with milk or your own saliva
- Seek dental help in a half-hour for maximum possibility of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often signify an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or a dental abscess. The pain may be intense and persistent, requiring urgent medical attention to alleviate pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to relieve discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any particles or food particles that might be contributing to the pain
- Take over-the-counter analgesic if necessary
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment without delay
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Getting timely dental care is crucial to restore the damaged restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if you can
- Gargle your mouth with warm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to arrange an visit for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause intense pain, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to decrease bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Reach out to your dentist immediately for further evaluation and care
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, might signal gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
- Contact your dentist for an appointment to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in talking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a cloth or wrap to prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency department
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and cause pain or inflammation. Gently removing the object without inflicting further injury is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, get in touch with your dentist for help in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or get loose, causing oral harm.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for instructions on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Bel-Nor, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some issues may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be examined during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Bel-Nor, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that continues and worsens
- A dislodged tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled discomfort or swelling due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always contact Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Nor, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation via telephone and offer appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Bel-Nor, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best approach method is always prevention. Here are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Bel-Nor, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing each day
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard substances, such as ice or pens
- Be cautious when eating sticky or tough foods
- Address dental problems promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Bel-Nor, MO include:
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Tooth Pain
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Call Plaza Dental Center for Your Dental Emergency in Bel-Nor, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing what to do and seeking the help of a trusted Bel-Nor, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Nor, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Bel-Nor, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an injury or have a persistent 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 Bel-Nor, MO.