Dental emergency in Maryland Heights, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how upsetting a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Maryland Heights, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to assist those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the therapy they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Maryland Heights, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Maryland Heights, MO
We understand that no one awakens hoping for an unforeseen visit to a dentist’s office in Maryland Heights, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is here to help. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to address various dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient with the same level of care and attention he would provide to his own family, guaranteeing a favorable patient outcome. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complicated and intricate cases in an educational context that many dentists typically don’t encounter until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center exceptionally qualified to handle dental emergencies in Maryland Heights, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Despite your prior visits with other dentists in Maryland Heights, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative experience in the dental chair, particularly one that deters people from seeking necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to make sure that our patients are comfortable and calm during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a diverse circumstances, which may include:
- 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 Maryland Heights, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips 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 tepid water
- Apply a cold compress to the inflamed area to minimize inflammation
- Contact your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (upper part), making sure to avoid the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but avoid rub or detach any attached tissue fragments
- Attempt to place back the tooth into its socket, if you can, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with dairy milk or saliva
- Find dental help within a half-hour for the best chance of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently signify an underlying dental problem, such as a microbial infection or a dental abscess. The pain could be intense and continual, demanding urgent attention to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to ease pain
- Use dental floss to eliminate any particles or food remnants that could be contributing to the discomfort
- Use over-the-counter pain medication if necessary
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Getting immediate dental care is crucial to repair the damaged restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a acute infection that influences the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can lead to excruciating discomfort, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away for further evaluation and care
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 clean gauze or a clean cloth to manage the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw stable 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 irritating and cause pain or inflammation. Carefully taking out the object without causing further injury is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to avoid injury
- If not successful, get in touch with your dentist for assistance in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or become loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Contact your orthodontist for advice on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to prevent further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Maryland Heights, 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 upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Maryland Heights, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that continues and gets worse
- A dislodged tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to reach out to Plaza Dental Center in Maryland Heights, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Maryland Heights, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best treatment method is always prevention. The following are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Maryland Heights, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist periodically for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during 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 getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being aware of how to respond promptly and seeking the assistance of an experienced Maryland Heights, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Maryland Heights, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Maryland Heights, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective 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 schedule an appointment online for your dental emergency in Maryland Heights, MO.