Dental emergency in St. John, MO. It’s challenging to fathom how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in St. John, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine examinations, we keep our doors open to assist those suffering from a dental emergency get the treatment they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in St. John, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in St. John, MO
We understand how no one wakes up hoping for an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in St. John, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our experienced dental team is well-equipped to handle different dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of treating every patient as if they were his own his own family, ensuring a positive patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by managing complex and extensive cases in an educational environment that many dentists generally aren’t exposed to until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to tackle dental emergencies in St. John, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are apprehensive about going to the dentist. In spite of your past experiences with other dentists in St. John, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative time in the dental chair, especially one that discourages people from pursuing essential dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to ensure that our patients are at ease and unwound during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a diverse 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 St. John, 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
- Apply a cold compress to the inflamed region in order to reduce swelling
- Reach out to your dentist right away for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), making sure to avoid the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with water if soiled, but do not rub or detach any adhered tissue fragments
- Try to put back the tooth into its socket, if you can, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with milk or saliva
- Get dental assistance in 30 minutes for maximum possibility of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often indicate an underlying dental issue, such as a microbial infection or an abscess. The pain may be severe and lasting, necessitating immediate care to ease pain.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to ease discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any particles or food remnants that might be causing the pain
- Use over-the-counter pain medication if 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 expose the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and additional harm. Getting timely dental care becomes essential to repair the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- 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 book an visit for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can cause excruciating discomfort, facial swelling, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Reach out to your dentist without delay for further evaluation and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently followed by gum inflammation, might signal 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 clean cloth to control the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule a visit to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, resulting in pain, difficulty in talking 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 stop further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest ER
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be painful and cause discomfort or inflammation. Carefully taking out the object without inflicting further damage is essential.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using pointed objects to prevent injury
- If unable to remove the object, reach out to your dentist for assistance in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or become loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for the time being
- Reach out to your orthodontist for instructions on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid trying to adjust the appliance on your own to prevent further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in St. John, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with simple at-home methods, while others can be examined during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in St. John, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the jaw or face
- Uncontrolled discomfort or inflammation due to a dental infection
- 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 St. John, MO for help. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and provide appropriate guidance for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in St. John, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best method method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in St. John, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough 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 sticky or tough foods
- 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. John, 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. John, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do and obtaining the care of an experienced St. John, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in St. John, MO, we are committed to ensuring all St. John, 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 persistent toothache that just won’t go away, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your dental emergency in St. John, MO.