Dental emergency in Clayton, MO. It’s hard to fathom how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Clayton, MO, while we urge everyone to get their routine cleanings and polishing, we allocate enough time in our schedule to assist those dealing from a dental emergency get the care they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Clayton, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Clayton, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Clayton, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is readily available to help. Our experienced dental team is well-equipped to handle different dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care every patient as though treating his own family, guaranteeing a great treatment. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complex and extensive cases in an educational environment that many dentists typically don’t encounter until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center highly capable to handle dental emergencies in Clayton, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Regardless of your prior visits with other dentists in Clayton, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant experience in the dental chair, particularly one that puts off people from pursuing necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to ensure that our patients feel comfortable and calm during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a variety of 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 Clayton, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From chips and cracks 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 tepid water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected region in order to reduce inflammation
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it by the crown (the top), making sure to avoid the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but avoid rub or remove any adhered tissue fragments
- Try to place back the tooth into its socket, if possible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with milk or saliva
- Get dental aid within a half-hour for maximum possibility of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or a dental abscess. The pain could be intense and continual, necessitating immediate attention to alleviate pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to alleviate pain
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any particles or food particles that could be causing the pain
- Use non-prescription analgesic as needed
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange an visit promptly
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitivity, pain, and further damage. Getting immediate dental care is necessary to restore the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can lead to intense discomfort, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently followed by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a fresh cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma 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 diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a necktie or wrap to prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be irritating and cause pain or inflammation. Gently removing the object without inflicting further damage is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully remove the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to prevent injury
- If not successful, get in touch with your dentist for help in proper removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or get loose, causing oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Reach out to your orthodontist for guidance on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid trying to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Clayton, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in Clayton, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that continues and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always reach out to Plaza Dental Center in Clayton, MO for help. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Clayton, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. Here are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Clayton, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by consistently performing thorough brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in 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 any issues with your teeth or gums promptly to avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and seeking the help of an experienced Clayton, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Clayton, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Clayton, 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 persistent toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your dental emergency in Clayton, MO.