Dental emergency in St. Louis County, MO. It’s challenging to imagine how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis County, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to assist those dealing from a dental emergency receive the therapy they need. If you need assistance for a dental emergency in St. Louis County, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in St. Louis County, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in St. Louis County, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is here to help. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to address various dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient as if they were his own his own family, ensuring a great experience. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by dealing with complex and extensive cases in an educational setting that many dentists generally don’t experience until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in St. Louis County, 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 St. Louis County, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative experience in the dental chair, particularly one that discourages people from seeking required dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are relaxed and calm during their time with us.
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 St. Louis County, 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 compress to the swollen region in order to reduce inflammation
- Reach out to your dental practitioner immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the root
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue
- Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, avoiding forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Seek dental aid within a half-hour for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or an abscess. The discomfort could be intense and continual, demanding urgent medical attention to ease pain.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with warm saltwater to relieve discomfort
- Use dental floss to eliminate any debris or food particles that could be causing the pain
- Take non-prescription analgesic if necessary
- 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 dental fillings or crowns, can expose the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and additional harm. Seeking timely dental care is crucial to restore the damaged restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if you can
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a acute infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can cause excruciating discomfort, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse 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 immediately for further evaluation and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently accompanied by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a fresh cloth to stop the bleeding
- Reach out to your dentist for an appointment to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, resulting in discomfort, 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 immobilized by using a necktie or tie 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 irritating and lead to discomfort or swelling. Carefully taking out the object without inflicting further harm is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to prevent injury
- If unable to remove the object, contact your dentist for help in safe removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or come loose, resulting in oral harm.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end temporarily
- Reach out to your orthodontist for guidance on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to adjust the appliance on your own to avoid further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in St. Louis County, MO
Not all dental issues mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some issues may be managed with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be evaluated during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in St. Louis County, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and gets worse
- A dislodged tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled pain or inflammation due to a dental infection
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to reach out to Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis County, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation via telephone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in St. Louis County, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best approach method is always prevention. Below are some valuable tips for avoiding a dental emergency in St. Louis County, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- 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 worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing what to do and obtaining the help of an experienced St. Louis County, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis County, MO, we are committed to ensuring all St. Louis County, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless 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 St. Louis County, MO.