Dental emergency in Shrewsbury, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Shrewsbury, MO, while we advocate everyone to get their routine check-ups, we reserve enough time in our schedule to aid those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the treatment they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Shrewsbury, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Shrewsbury, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Shrewsbury, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is on hand to provide support. Our experienced dental team is ready to address diverse dental emergencies and bring back your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient with the same level of dedication he would provide to his own family, ensuring a favorable patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by dealing with challenging cases in an educational setting that many dentists usually don’t experience until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to tackle dental emergencies in Shrewsbury, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Despite your previous encounters with other dentists in Shrewsbury, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant time in the dental chair, specifically one that discourages people from pursuing necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to guarantee that our patients feel at ease and relaxed during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a diverse 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 Shrewsbury, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Apply a cold pack to the swollen area in order to reduce swelling
- Reach out to your dental practitioner right away to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but do not scrub or detach any attached tissue fragments
- Attempt to place back the tooth into its socket, if you can, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva
- Find dental assistance within 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches frequently indicate an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or a dental abscess. The pain may be severe and continual, requiring urgent attention to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to alleviate discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to remove any debris or food particles that could be causing the discomfort
- Use non-prescription pain medication if necessary
- 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 dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitivity, discomfort, and further damage. Seeking prompt dental care becomes essential to restore the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause agonizing discomfort, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away for further evaluation and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently followed by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or an injury 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 control the bleeding
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to trauma or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in speaking and chewing, 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 prevent 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 result in pain or swelling. Gently extracting the object without causing further injury is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently extract the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to minimize injury
- If not successful, reach out to your dentist for assistance in proper extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or come loose, causing oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for guidance on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to prevent further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Shrewsbury, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be addressed with simple at-home methods, while others can be evaluated during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in Shrewsbury, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that continues and gets worse
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always contact Plaza Dental Center in Shrewsbury, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation via telephone and offer appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Shrewsbury, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. Below are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Shrewsbury, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations 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 sticky or tough foods
- Address dental problems promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of what to do and obtaining the treatment of an experienced Shrewsbury, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Shrewsbury, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Shrewsbury, 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 persistent toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your dental emergency in Shrewsbury, MO.