Dental emergency in Central West End, MO. It’s hard to fathom how upsetting a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Central West End, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to aid those suffering from a dental emergency receive the treatment they need. If you need care for a dental emergency in Central West End, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Central West End, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Central West End, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our experienced dental team is ready to address various dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of taking care of every patient as though treating his own family, guaranteeing a favorable treatment. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complicated and intricate cases in an educational setting that many dentists typically aren’t exposed to until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to handle dental emergencies in Central West End, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. Regardless of your prior visits with other dentists in Central West End, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant experience in the dental chair, specifically one that discourages people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to make sure that our patients feel comfortable and unwound during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can arise from a diverse circumstances, such as:
- 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 Central West End, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Apply a chilled compress to the swollen area to minimize inflammation
- Reach out to your dentist right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it at the top (the top), making sure to avoid the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but do not rub or detach any attached tissue fragments
- Try to place back 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 milk or saliva
- Find dental assistance within a half-hour for maximum possibility of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly suggest an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. The discomfort can be intense and persistent, demanding urgent care to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to relieve discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to remove any foreign objects or food particles that could be contributing to the pain
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
- Contact your dentist to book an appointment without delay
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, discomfort, and further damage. Getting timely dental care is crucial to repair the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange an visit for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that influences the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in agonizing discomfort, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to decrease bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Reach out to your dentist right away for a thorough examination and care
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply light pressure with sterile gauze or a fresh cloth to manage the bleeding
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange a consultation to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to injury or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in speaking and chewing, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a scarf or wrap to stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and lead to pain or inflammation. Carefully extracting the object without inflicting further harm is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully remove the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to prevent injury
- If unable to remove the object, contact your dentist for assistance in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or become loose, causing oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for guidance on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid trying to fix the appliance on your own to avoid further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Central West End, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some issues may be addressed with simple at-home methods, while others can be examined during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Central West End, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that persists and gets worse
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always call Plaza Dental Center in Central West End, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and offer appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Central West End, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best method method is always prevention. The following are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Central West End, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations 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 avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in Central West End, 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 Central West End, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and obtaining the assistance of an experienced Central West End, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Central West End, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Central West End, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective 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 schedule an appointment online for your dental emergency in Central West End, MO.