Dental emergency in Bridgeton, MO. It’s hard to imagine how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Bridgeton, MO, while we encourage everyone to get their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to help those suffering from a dental emergency get the therapy they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Bridgeton, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to book an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Bridgeton, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Bridgeton, MO. However, Plaza is readily available to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to handle various dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of treating every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a great patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complicated and intricate cases in an educational setting that many dentists generally aren’t exposed to until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Bridgeton, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. In spite of your previous encounters with other dentists in Bridgeton, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative visit in the dental chair, especially one that puts off people from seeking essential dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to make sure that our patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a wide range of circumstances, which may include:
- 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 Bridgeton, 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:
- Flush your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Place a cold pack to the swollen region to minimize inflammation
- Contact your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it at the top (upper part), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth carefully with clean water if soiled, but avoid rub or remove any adhered tissue fragments
- Attempt to place back the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Find dental aid within 30 minutes for maximum possibility of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a microbial infection or an abscess. The discomfort may be agonizing and continual, necessitating prompt care to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to alleviate pain
- Use dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food remnants that could be contributing to the pain
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment promptly
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Seeking timely dental care becomes essential to restore the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to book an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in excruciating discomfort, 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 reduce swelling
- Contact your dentist right away for additional assessment and care
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often followed by gum inflammation, may suggest gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange a consultation to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to injury or accidents, resulting in discomfort, 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 stable by using a cloth or bandage to avoid further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and result in pain or swelling. Gently taking out the object without inflicting further damage is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed tools to avoid injury
- If unsuccessful, get in touch with your dentist for help in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or get loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Contact your orthodontist for advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Bridgeton, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be resolved with simple at-home methods, while others can be examined during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Bridgeton, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that continues and gets worse
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not ease
- 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 temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Bridgeton, MO for help. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and offer appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Bridgeton, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best approach method is always prevention. The following are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Bridgeton, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing each day
- Visit your dentist periodically 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 getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing what to do and obtaining the care of a trusted Bridgeton, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Bridgeton, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Bridgeton, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an injury or have a nagging toothache you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in Bridgeton, MO.