Dental emergency in Bel-Ridge, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how troubling a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Ridge, MO, while we advocate everyone to undergo their routine check-ups, we allocate sufficient time in our schedule to help those suffering from a dental emergency receive the care they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Bel-Ridge, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Bel-Ridge, MO
We realize that no one wakes up hoping for an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Bel-Ridge, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to address various dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of taking care of every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a positive treatment. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling challenging cases in an educational context that many dentists usually aren’t exposed to until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Bel-Ridge, MO.
We have a dedicated attention on people who are nervous when it comes to visiting the dentist. Regardless of your previous encounters with other dentists in Bel-Ridge, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative experience in the dental chair, particularly one that puts off people from pursuing required dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to guarantee that our patients become comfortable and relaxed during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a wide range of circumstances, which may include:
- Trauma from an accident or injury
- 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-Ridge, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with warm water
- Place a chilled compress to the swollen region to minimize swelling
- Contact your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but avoid rub or detach any adhered tissue fragments
- Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if feasible, avoiding forcing it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, put the tooth in a receptacle with milk or saliva
- Seek dental help within a half-hour for optimal opportunity of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or a dental abscess. The discomfort can be agonizing and lasting, requiring prompt attention to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to relieve pain
- Use dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food particles that might be contributing to the pain
- Take non-prescription analgesic if needed
- Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Obtaining timely dental care is necessary to restore the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Gargle your mouth with warm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can result in excruciating pain, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Gargle 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 without delay for a thorough examination and care
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply light pressure with sterile gauze or a fresh cloth to manage the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist for an appointment to find out the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to injury or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in speaking and chewing, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a necktie or wrap to stop 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 irritating and lead to pain or swelling. Gently removing the object without inflicting further damage is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully remove the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to avoid injury
- If unsuccessful, reach out to your dentist for help in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or come loose, causing oral harm.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Reach out to your orthodontist for guidance on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Bel-Ridge, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be addressed with simple at-home methods, while others can be examined during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Bel-Ridge, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that persists and gets worse
- A dislodged tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not ease
- Severe injuries to the mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled pain 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 call Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Ridge, MO for help. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and provide appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Bel-Ridge, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best treatment method is always prevention. The following are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Bel-Ridge, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard substances, such as ice or pens
- Be cautious when eating foods that are sticky or require significant chewing
- Address dental problems promptly to avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Bel-Ridge, 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-Ridge, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of how to respond promptly and obtaining the care of an experienced Bel-Ridge, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Ridge, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Bel-Ridge, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an accident or have a persistent toothache you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your dental emergency in Bel-Ridge, MO.