Dental emergency in Overland, MO. It’s hard to imagine how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Overland, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine examinations, we keep our doors open to aid those dealing from a dental emergency get the care they require. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Overland, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Overland, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Overland, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is on hand to provide support. Our skilled dental team is ready to address different dental emergencies and bring back your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient as if they were his own his own family, ensuring a positive 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 aren’t exposed to until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Overland, MO.
The members of our team have a particular interest on people who are nervous when it comes to visiting the dentist. In spite of your past experiences with other dentists in Overland, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant time in the dental chair, especially one that discourages people from seeking necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to make sure that our patients feel relaxed and unwound during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a wide range of circumstances, 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 Overland, 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 affected region in order to reduce inflammation
- Contact your dentist right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (the top), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with water if soiled, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Make an effort to put back the tooth into its socket, if possible, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with milk or saliva
- Find dental help within 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often suggest an underlying dental problem, such as a microbial infection or an abscess. The discomfort may be intense and lasting, necessitating immediate care to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to relieve discomfort
- Use dental floss to clear away any foreign objects or food particles that could be causing the discomfort
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange an appointment as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, and additional harm. Seeking prompt dental care is necessary to restore the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if you can
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule an visit for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a serious infection that affects the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can lead to agonizing discomfort, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to decrease bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Reach out to your dentist right away for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or an injury to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply light pressure with sterile gauze or a fresh cloth to stop the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to injury 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 alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a scarf or tie 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 cause discomfort or swelling. Carefully extracting the object without inflicting further harm is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently extract the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to prevent injury
- If unable to remove the object, get in touch with your dentist for help in proper extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or come loose, resulting in oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to adjust the appliance on your own to avoid further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Overland, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be checked during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should seek out an emergency dentist in Overland, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that persists and worsens
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the jaw or facial area
- Uncontrolled discomfort or inflammation due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Overland, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation via telephone and offer appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Overland, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best treatment method is always prevention. Here are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Overland, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations and professional 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 maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Overland, 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 Overland, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of what to do and seeking the assistance of an experienced Overland, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Overland, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Overland, 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 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 Overland, MO.