Dental emergency in Spanish Lake, MO. It’s hard to fathom how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Spanish Lake, MO, while we advocate everyone to get their routine examinations, we set aside enough time in our schedule to help those dealing from a dental emergency receive the therapy they require. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in Spanish Lake, MO, call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Spanish Lake, MO
We understand how no one awakens expecting an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Spanish Lake, MO. However, Plaza is here to help. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to manage various dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of taking care of every patient as if they were his own his own family, ensuring a positive patient outcome. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by managing challenging cases in an educational environment that many dentists generally don’t experience until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Spanish Lake, 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 Spanish Lake, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative time in the dental chair, especially one that puts off people from obtaining required dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to guarantee that our patients feel at ease and unwound during their time with us.
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 Spanish Lake, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From chips and cracks to complete breaks, 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
- Place a chilled pack to the affected region to minimize inflammation
- Reach out to your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (the top), making sure to avoid the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with clean water if soiled, but avoid rub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Make an effort to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if you can, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or saliva
- Get dental help within a half-hour for optimal opportunity of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly suggest an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. The pain can be intense and persistent, necessitating prompt medical attention to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to relieve discomfort
- Use dental floss to eliminate any particles or food remnants that could be contributing to the pain
- Use over-the-counter analgesic as needed
- Contact your dentist to arrange an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitivity, pain, and additional harm. Obtaining timely dental care becomes essential to fix the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain 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
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration repair or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a severe infection that affects the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause intense pain, swelling in the face, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Reach out to your dentist without delay for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often followed by gum inflammation, may suggest gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, resulting in discomfort, difficulty in talking and chewing, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a scarf or bandage to prevent further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency room
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be irritating and lead to discomfort or inflammation. Gently extracting the object without inflicting further damage is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, contact your dentist for assistance in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or become loose, causing oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end for the time being
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to deal with the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Spanish Lake, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in Spanish Lake, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and worsens
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not ease
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled discomfort or swelling due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Spanish Lake, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can review your situation over the phone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Spanish Lake, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. The following are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Spanish Lake, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist regularly 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 avoid them from worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for sustaining oral health
Other services we offer in Spanish Lake, 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 Spanish Lake, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of what to do and seeking the assistance of a trusted Spanish Lake, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Spanish Lake, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Spanish Lake, 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 persistent 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 Spanish Lake, MO.