Dental emergency in Northwoods, MO. It’s difficult to imagine how disruptive a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Northwoods, MO, while we advocate everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to assist those suffering from a dental emergency get the therapy they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Northwoods, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Northwoods, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Northwoods, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is on hand to provide support. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to manage various dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care every patient as if they were his own his own family, ensuring a favorable experience. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by dealing with complex and extensive cases in an educational environment that many dentists usually don’t experience until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Northwoods, MO.
We have a particular interest on people who experience apprehension when it comes to visiting the dentist. Regardless of your prior visits with other dentists in Northwoods, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad visit in the dental chair, specifically one that deters people from obtaining required dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to make sure that our patients are comfortable and calm during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- 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 Northwoods, 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 warm water
- Place a chilled pack to the swollen region in order to reduce swelling
- Contact your dental practitioner right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth carefully with clean water if soiled, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or saliva
- Seek dental aid in a half-hour for the best chance of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. The pain may be intense and persistent, requiring prompt care to relieve discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to relieve pain
- Utilize dental floss to clear away any foreign objects or food particles that might be causing the discomfort
- Take non-prescription analgesic if necessary
- Contact your dentist to schedule an visit without delay
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Seeking immediate dental care is necessary to fix the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to arrange an visit for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that affects the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can result in excruciating discomfort, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately for a thorough examination and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often followed by gum inflammation, might signal 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 trauma or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in talking and chewing, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a cloth or wrap to stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency department
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and result in discomfort or inflammation. Gently extracting the object without causing further harm is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed tools to minimize injury
- If not successful, 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 come loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Reach out to your orthodontist for instructions on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to adjust the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Northwoods, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some issues may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Northwoods, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and gets worse
- A dislodged tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- 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 Northwoods, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation over the phone and offer appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Northwoods, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best treatment method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Northwoods, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- 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 sticky or tough foods
- Address dental problems promptly to prevent them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Northwoods, 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 Northwoods, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being aware of how to respond promptly and obtaining the treatment of a trusted Northwoods, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Northwoods, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Northwoods, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you sustained an injury 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 Northwoods, MO.