Dental emergency in St. Ann, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how disruptive a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Ann, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to assist those experiencing from a dental emergency obtain the treatment they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in St. Ann, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to book an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in St. Ann, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in St. Ann, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is on hand to help. Our experienced dental team is fully prepared to address various dental emergencies and bring back 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 great patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by handling complex and extensive cases in an educational setting that many dentists generally don’t encounter until years after graduation. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center highly capable to tackle dental emergencies in St. Ann, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. In spite of your past experiences with other dentists in St. Ann, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant experience in the dental chair, especially one that puts off people from seeking essential dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to guarantee that our patients are relaxed and relaxed during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen from a variety of circumstances, such as:
- 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 St. Ann, 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 lightly with warm water
- Apply a chilled pack to the affected region to minimize swelling
- Contact your dental practitioner right away for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (upper part), avoiding the root
- Rinse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but avoid scrub or detach any adhered tissue fragments
- Try to put back the tooth into its socket, if possible, without forcing it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or saliva
- Find dental aid in 30 minutes for optimal opportunity of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often indicate an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. The discomfort could be severe and lasting, requiring prompt attention to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to ease discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food remnants that could be causing the discomfort
- Use non-prescription pain medication if needed
- Reach out to your dentist to book an visit as soon as possible
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, discomfort, and additional harm. Obtaining timely dental care becomes essential to restore the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if possible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in excruciating pain, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away for additional assessment and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently followed by gum inflammation, may suggest gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with cold water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a fresh cloth to control the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to schedule a visit to find out the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, causing pain, difficulty in speaking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to alleviate swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a cloth or bandage to stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and result in pain or swelling. Carefully removing the object without causing further harm is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently remove the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to prevent injury
- If unsuccessful, 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 become loose, causing oral harm.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in St. Ann, MO
Not all dental issues 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 see an emergency dentist in St. Ann, 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 mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled pain or swelling due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
When in doubt, always reach out to Plaza Dental Center in St. Ann, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in St. Ann, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. Here are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in St. Ann, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently performing thorough brushing and flossing daily
- Visit your dentist periodically for examinations and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear during sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard substances, such as ice or pens
- Be cautious when eating foods that are sticky or require significant chewing
- Address dental problems promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of what to do and obtaining the treatment of an experienced St. Ann, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Ann, MO, we are committed to ensuring all St. Ann, MO residents get the dental care they need, irrespective 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 ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in St. Ann, MO.