Dental emergency in Kirkwood, MO. It’s difficult to conceive how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Kirkwood, MO, while we urge everyone to get their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to aid those dealing from a dental emergency get the care they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Kirkwood, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Kirkwood, MO
We understand that no one wakes up expecting an surprise visit to a dentist’s office in Kirkwood, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is readily available to help. Our skilled dental team is ready to address diverse dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in providing care every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a positive patient outcome. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by dealing with complicated and intricate cases in an educational environment 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 Kirkwood, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. In spite of your prior visits with other dentists in Kirkwood, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant visit in the dental chair, particularly one that discourages people from obtaining necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to ensure that our patients are relaxed and unwound during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen from a variety of circumstances, which may include:
- 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 Kirkwood, 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:
- Flush your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a chilled compress to the inflamed region in order to reduce inflammation
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it at the top (upper part), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if dirty, but avoid scrub or remove any adhered tissue
- Make an effort to put back the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva
- Find dental aid within a half-hour for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly signify an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. The pain may be agonizing and lasting, requiring urgent care to ease pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to relieve discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to remove any particles or food remnants that could be contributing to the pain
- Use non-prescription pain medication as needed
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and additional harm. Seeking immediate dental care becomes essential to repair the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration repair or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a acute infection that influences the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in agonizing pain, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Contact your dentist immediately for additional assessment and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently 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 sterile gauze or a clean cloth to manage the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen 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 alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a cloth or wrap 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 cause pain or swelling. Gently extracting the object without inflicting further harm is necessary.
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, reach out to your dentist for assistance in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or become loose, causing oral harm.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Kirkwood, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some issues may be addressed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Kirkwood, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that persists and worsens
- A avulsed 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 reach out to Plaza Dental Center in Kirkwood, MO for help. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and provide appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Kirkwood, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best treatment method is always prevention. The following are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Kirkwood, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, 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 upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and obtaining the care of an experienced Kirkwood, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Kirkwood, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Kirkwood, 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 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 Kirkwood, MO.