Dental emergency in Hazelwood, MO. It’s hard to conceive how troubling a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Hazelwood, MO, while we urge everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to aid those suffering from a dental emergency obtain the care they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Hazelwood, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Hazelwood, MO
We realize how no one awakens expecting an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Hazelwood, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is readily available to help. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to handle diverse dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient with the same level of compassion he would give to his own family, guaranteeing a positive experience. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained crucial expertise by dealing with complex and extensive cases in an educational context that many dentists generally don’t encounter until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to tackle dental emergencies in Hazelwood, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Regardless of your previous encounters with other dentists in Hazelwood, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative time in the dental chair, specifically one that discourages people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to ensure that our patients feel at ease and relaxed during their time with us.
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 Hazelwood, 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:
- Flush your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Apply a cold pack to the swollen region to minimize inflammation
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it by the crown (the top), making sure to avoid the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but avoid rub or detach any adhered tissue fragments
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, put the tooth in a receptacle with milk or saliva
- Get dental aid in a half-hour for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a microbial infection or a dental abscess. The pain can be intense and lasting, requiring urgent care to alleviate pain.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to ease discomfort
- Use dental floss to remove any foreign objects or food remnants that might be causing the discomfort
- Take non-prescription analgesic as needed
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an visit promptly
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, discomfort, and further damage. Getting timely dental care becomes essential to restore the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to book an visit for restoration repair or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a acute infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause excruciating pain, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to decrease bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Contact your dentist right away for a thorough examination and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often accompanied 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 sterile gauze or a fresh cloth to stop the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to injury or accidents, resulting in discomfort, difficulty in speaking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a cloth or tie to stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and result in discomfort or swelling. Gently removing the object without inflicting further harm is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to avoid injury
- If not successful, reach out to your dentist for assistance in proper removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or come loose, resulting in oral harm.
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 instructions on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Hazelwood, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be addressed with simple at-home methods, while others can be checked during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Hazelwood, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- 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 TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Hazelwood, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Hazelwood, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best method method is always prevention. Here are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Hazelwood, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups 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 dental problems promptly to prevent them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being aware of how to respond promptly and obtaining the treatment of a trusted Hazelwood, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Hazelwood, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Hazelwood, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an accident or have a nagging toothache you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in Hazelwood, MO.