Dental emergency in Ferguson, MO. It’s hard to fathom how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Ferguson, MO, while we encourage everyone to undergo their routine cleanings and polishing, we allocate enough time in our schedule to aid those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the therapy they need. If you need care for a dental emergency in Ferguson, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to book an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Ferguson, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Ferguson, MO. However, Plaza is readily available to provide support. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to handle diverse dental emergencies and bring back your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in providing care every patient with the same level of care and attention he would give to his own family, ensuring a great experience. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by managing challenging cases in an educational context that many dentists usually don’t experience until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Ferguson, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. Despite your previous encounters with other dentists in Ferguson, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative visit in the dental chair, particularly one that deters people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to ensure that our patients become at ease and relaxed during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a variety of circumstances, such as:
- 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 Ferguson, 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
- Apply a chilled compress to the swollen region to minimize swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it at the top (upper part), making sure to avoid the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with water if soiled, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Try to place back the tooth into its socket, if possible, without forcing it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, put the tooth in a receptacle with milk or your own saliva
- Get dental assistance within 30 minutes for maximum possibility of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental issue, such as a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. The pain may be severe and persistent, requiring prompt care to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to relieve pain
- Use dental floss to clear away any particles or food remnants that might be causing the pain
- Take over-the-counter analgesic as needed
- Contact your dentist to arrange an visit 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, pain, and additional harm. Obtaining timely dental care is necessary to repair the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if you can
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to book an appointment for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause agonizing pain, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist without delay for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often accompanied by gum inflammation, may suggest gum disease or an injury to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule a visit to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to injury or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in speaking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a cloth or bandage to stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency department
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and result in discomfort or inflammation. Carefully extracting the object without inflicting further harm is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to prevent injury
- If not successful, contact your dentist for assistance in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or become loose, resulting in oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for guidance on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Ferguson, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Ferguson, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that continues and worsens
- A avulsed 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 temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always reach out to Plaza Dental Center in Ferguson, MO for help. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Ferguson, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best approach method is always prevention. Below are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Ferguson, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly 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 sticky or tough foods
- Address any issues with your teeth or gums promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and obtaining the care of a trusted Ferguson, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Ferguson, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Ferguson, 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 nagging 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 Ferguson, MO.