Dental emergency in Hanley Hills, MO. It’s difficult to conceive how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Hanley Hills, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we allocate sufficient time in our schedule to assist those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the care they require. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Hanley Hills, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Hanley Hills, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Hanley Hills, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is well-equipped to handle diverse dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a favorable treatment. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by managing complex and extensive cases in an educational setting that many dentists generally don’t encounter until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Hanley Hills, MO.
Our team have a dedicated attention on individuals who are nervous when it comes to visiting the dentist. In spite of your prior visits with other dentists in Hanley Hills, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant time in the dental chair, particularly one that puts off people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to make sure that our patients are at ease and relaxed during their appointments.
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 Hanley Hills, 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 warm water
- Apply a chilled compress to the affected region to minimize swelling
- Reach out to your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the bottom part
- Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if dirty, but do not rub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a container with dairy milk or saliva
- Seek dental help in a half-hour for optimal opportunity of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a microbial infection or a dental abscess. The pain can be agonizing and continual, necessitating prompt medical attention to relieve pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to alleviate discomfort
- Use dental floss to clear away any debris or food particles that might be causing the pain
- Take non-prescription pain medication if 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 repair the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in intense 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 reduce swelling
- Contact your dentist without delay for further evaluation and care
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to manage the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to injury or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in talking and chewing, and misalignment 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 prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency room
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and result in discomfort or swelling. Carefully taking out the object without inflicting further injury is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully remove the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to prevent injury
- If unsuccessful, reach out to your dentist for help in proper removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or become loose, causing oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for instructions on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to avoid further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Hanley Hills, MO
Not all dental problems mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some problems may be managed with simple at-home methods, while others can be checked during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Hanley Hills, 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 face
- Uncontrolled discomfort 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 Hanley Hills, MO for help. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and provide appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Hanley Hills, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Hanley Hills, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during 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 prevent them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Hanley Hills, 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 Hanley Hills, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond promptly and seeking the assistance of an experienced Hanley Hills, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Hanley Hills, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Hanley Hills, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an accident or have a persistent 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 Hanley Hills, MO.