Dental emergency in Crestwood, MO. It’s difficult to imagine how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Crestwood, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to help those dealing from a dental emergency get the treatment they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Crestwood, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Crestwood, MO
We realize how no one wakes up hoping for an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Crestwood, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is here to provide support. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to manage diverse dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in providing care every patient with the same level of dedication he would provide to his own family, guaranteeing a positive patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complex and extensive cases in an educational context that many dentists usually don’t encounter until years after graduation. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center exceptionally qualified to handle dental emergencies in Crestwood, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Despite your previous encounters with other dentists in Crestwood, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad experience in the dental chair, particularly one that deters people from seeking required dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to guarantee that our patients feel relaxed and calm during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, 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 Crestwood, 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 gently with warm water
- Place a chilled pack to the swollen region to minimize swelling
- Reach out to your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if dirty, but avoid rub or detach any adhered tissue fragments
- Attempt 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 receptacle with milk or your own saliva
- Find dental aid in 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental issue, such as a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. The pain can be severe and persistent, demanding urgent medical attention to relieve discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saline solution to alleviate pain
- Utilize dental floss to remove any particles or food particles that might be causing the discomfort
- Use non-prescription analgesic if necessary
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and additional harm. Obtaining immediate dental care is crucial to fix the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if you can
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to book an visit for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a serious infection that influences the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can lead to intense pain, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Contact your dentist immediately for additional assessment and care
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 chilled water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a fresh 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 occur due to injury or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, 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 tie 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 painful and cause pain or inflammation. Gently extracting the object without causing further damage is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully extract the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, contact your dentist for assistance in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or come loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to adjust the appliance on your own to minimize further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Crestwood, MO
Not all dental problems mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be addressed with basic at-home methods, while others can be examined during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in Crestwood, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that lasts and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always contact Plaza Dental Center in Crestwood, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Crestwood, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best method method is always prevention. Here are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Crestwood, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in 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 avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and obtaining the treatment of a trusted Crestwood, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Crestwood, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Crestwood, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an injury or have a nagging toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in Crestwood, MO.