Dental emergency in Maplewood, MO. It’s difficult to imagine how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Maplewood, MO, while we encourage everyone to get their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to help those suffering from a dental emergency receive the therapy they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Maplewood, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Maplewood, MO
We know that no one wakes up hoping for an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Maplewood, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is readily available to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to handle different dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of treating every patient with the same level of compassion he would provide to his own family, guaranteeing a favorable patient outcome. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained crucial expertise by handling challenging cases in an educational context that many dentists usually don’t encounter until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad time in the dental chair, specifically one that discourages people from pursuing necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to make sure that our patients are at ease and calm during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can arise 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 Maplewood, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with warm water
- Apply a chilled compress to the inflamed region in order to reduce inflammation
- Contact your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with water if soiled, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if you can, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Find dental help within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly signify an underlying dental issue, such as a microbial infection or an abscess. The discomfort could be severe and lasting, necessitating urgent medical attention to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to relieve discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any debris or food remnants that could be contributing to the discomfort
- Use non-prescription pain medication if necessary
- Get in touch with 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, discomfort, and further damage. Seeking timely dental care becomes essential to restore the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if possible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a severe infection that influences the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause intense pain, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use 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, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, might signal gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a fresh cloth to stop the bleeding
- Get in touch with your dentist for an appointment to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur 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 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 emergency room
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and cause pain or inflammation. Gently extracting the object without inflicting further damage is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, reach out to your dentist for help in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or get loose, resulting in oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for instructions on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid trying to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Maplewood, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be managed with simple at-home methods, while others can be checked during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Maplewood, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that lasts and worsens
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled discomfort or swelling due to a dental inflammatory condition
- 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 Maplewood, MO for help. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Maplewood, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best treatment method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Maplewood, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently performing thorough brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations 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 getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and obtaining the help of a trusted Maplewood, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Maplewood, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Maplewood, 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 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 Maplewood, MO.