Dental emergency in Glendale, MO. It’s hard to conceive how troubling a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Glendale, MO, while we urge everyone to receive their routine examinations, we keep our doors open to help those suffering from a dental emergency obtain the care they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Glendale, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Glendale, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Glendale, MO. However, Plaza is here to help. Our knowledgeable dental team is fully prepared to handle diverse dental emergencies and repair 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, ensuring a great experience. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by managing complex and extensive cases in an educational environment that many dentists usually don’t experience until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center exceptionally qualified to tackle dental emergencies in Glendale, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. In spite of your prior visits with other dentists in Glendale, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative visit in the dental chair, particularly one that puts off people from obtaining necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to ensure that our patients become at ease and unwound during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, 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 Glendale, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From chips and cracks to more severe fractures, 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 gently with tepid water
- Place a chilled pack to the swollen area in order to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dental practitioner right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with clean water if soiled, but do not rub or detach any attached tissue
- Make an effort to put 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
- Get dental aid in 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often suggest an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. The discomfort may be severe and continual, requiring prompt medical attention to relieve pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to relieve discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to clear away any particles or food particles that could be contributing to the pain
- Use over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
- Get in touch with your dentist to book an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, discomfort, and further damage. Obtaining timely dental care becomes essential to restore the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if you can
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to book an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can result in excruciating pain, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately for additional assessment and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or an injury to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist for an appointment to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, resulting in discomfort, difficulty in talking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a necktie or wrap to prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency department
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and cause pain or swelling. Carefully taking out the object without inflicting further injury is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully remove the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed tools to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, reach out to your dentist for help in proper extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break 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
- Reach out to your orthodontist for instructions on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to repair the appliance on your own to prevent further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Glendale, MO
Not all dental problems mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some problems may be addressed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be checked during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Glendale, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that continues and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- 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 TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to call Plaza Dental Center in Glendale, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation via telephone and provide appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Glendale, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best approach method is always prevention. Here are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Glendale, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations and professional 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 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being aware of what to do and seeking the assistance of a trusted Glendale, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Glendale, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Glendale, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an accident or have a nagging toothache you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your dental emergency in Glendale, MO.