Dental emergency in Brentwood, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO, while we urge everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to help those suffering from a dental emergency obtain the therapy they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Brentwood, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Brentwood, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Brentwood, MO. However, Plaza is on hand to help. Our experienced dental team is fully prepared to handle different dental emergencies and bring back your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care every patient with the same level of care and attention he would give to his own family, ensuring a favorable experience. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by dealing with complicated and intricate cases in an educational environment that many dentists generally don’t experience until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center highly capable to address dental emergencies in Brentwood, MO.
We have a special focus on individuals who experience apprehension when it comes to visiting the dentist. Regardless of your prior visits with other dentists in Brentwood, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant visit in the dental chair, specifically one that deters people from seeking required dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to guarantee that our patients are comfortable and unwound 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 Brentwood, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips to complete breaks, 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
- Apply a chilled pack to the swollen area in order to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (upper part), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but do not scrub or remove any adhered tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with milk or your own saliva
- Seek dental assistance in 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or an abscess. The discomfort can be agonizing and lasting, requiring immediate care to alleviate pain.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saline solution to alleviate discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to remove any foreign objects or food remnants that might be causing the discomfort
- Take non-prescription pain medication as needed
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, and additional harm. Getting immediate dental care becomes essential to repair the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if you can
- Gargle your mouth with warm saline solution to clean the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to book an visit for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can lead to agonizing discomfort, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often accompanied by gum inflammation, might signal gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a fresh cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist for an appointment to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a scarf or tie to stop 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 painful and result in discomfort or swelling. Gently extracting the object without inflicting further injury is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently dislodge 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 harm.
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 deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to prevent further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Brentwood, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some problems may be addressed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be checked during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Brentwood, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that persists and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled discomfort 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 get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO for help. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and provide appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Brentwood, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best approach method is always prevention. Here are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Brentwood, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, 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 getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and seeking the treatment of an experienced Brentwood, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Brentwood, 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 schedule an appointment online for your dental emergency in Brentwood, MO.