Dental emergency in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. It’s difficult to conceive how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine cleanings and polishing, we set aside enough time in our schedule to assist those suffering from a dental emergency get the therapy they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is readily available to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is fully prepared to address different dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of treating every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a positive treatment. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by managing 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 tackle dental emergencies in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.
We have a particular interest on people who experience apprehension when it comes to visiting the dentist. Despite your prior visits with other dentists in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative experience in the dental chair, especially one that deters people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to ensure that our patients feel at ease and unwound during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can arise from a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:
- 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
It’s not uncommon for a tooth to break or get knocked out unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention to ensure proper care and prevent further complications.
What to do for a tooth fracture:
- Flush your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Apply a chilled compress to the inflamed region in order to reduce inflammation
- Contact your dental practitioner right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but do not scrub or detach any adhered tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if feasible, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a container with dairy milk or saliva
- Find dental help in 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or an abscess. The pain can be severe and lasting, necessitating immediate care to relieve discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to alleviate discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any debris or food remnants that could be causing the pain
- Use over-the-counter analgesic if necessary
- Contact your dentist to book an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or dental crowns, can expose the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and additional harm. Obtaining immediate dental care is crucial to fix the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to book an visit for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can lead to intense pain, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Contact your dentist right away for further evaluation and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to schedule a visit to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, causing pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a scarf or wrap to avoid 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 irritating and lead to pain or inflammation. Carefully extracting the object without causing further injury is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently extract the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to avoid 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 protect the sharp end for the time being
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for guidance on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid trying to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some problems may be managed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be examined during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that lasts and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled pain or swelling due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always call Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO for help. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and provide appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best approach method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations 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 prevent them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and seeking the help of an experienced Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an accident or have a nagging 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 Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.