Dental emergency in St. Louis, MO. It’s difficult to fathom how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, MO, while we advocate everyone to get their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to help those experiencing from a dental emergency get the care they need. If you need care for a dental emergency in St. Louis, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in St. Louis, MO
We understand that no one awakens hoping for an surprise visit to a dentist’s office in St. Louis, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our experienced dental team is ready to manage various dental emergencies and repair your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in providing care every patient with the same level of care and attention he would give to his own family, ensuring a positive patient outcome. In the early days of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by dealing with challenging cases in an educational context that many dentists generally don’t encounter until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to tackle dental emergencies in St. Louis, MO.
Our team have a dedicated attention on patients who feel anxious when it comes to visiting the dentist. Regardless of your previous encounters with other dentists in St. Louis, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative time in the dental chair, particularly one that puts off people from obtaining essential dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to ensure that our patients feel relaxed and calm during their time with us.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a wide range 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. Louis, MO depends on your specific dental emergency:
Tooth Fractures or Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth
From minor chips 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:
- Flush your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold pack to the inflamed area in order to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dental practitioner immediately to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Grasp it at the top (the top), avoiding the bottom part
- Rinse the tooth carefully with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if possible, avoiding exerting excessive pressure on it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, put the tooth in a container with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Get dental assistance within 30 minutes for maximum possibility of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often suggest an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or an abscess. The discomfort can be agonizing and lasting, requiring urgent attention to alleviate pain.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to relieve pain
- Use dental floss to clear away any particles or food remnants that could be causing the discomfort
- Take non-prescription 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 crowns, can expose the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, pain, and further damage. Getting timely dental care is crucial to fix the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration fixing or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that affects the tooth’s root or the adjacent gum tissue. It can result in agonizing pain, swelling in the face, and elevated body temperature.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist without delay for further evaluation and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly followed by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Gently rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to control 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 talking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a necktie or tie to prevent 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 uncomfortable and lead to pain or swelling. Gently removing the object without causing further injury is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently remove the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to minimize injury
- If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for help in proper extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can snap or get loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to protect the sharp end for the time being
- Contact your orthodontist for advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further harm
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in St. Louis, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some issues may be addressed with minor at-home methods, while others can be checked during your scheduled dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in St. Louis, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that persists and gets worse
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the mandible or face
- Uncontrolled pain or swelling due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to call Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can review your situation via telephone and offer appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in St. Louis, 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. Louis, MO:
- Keep good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing each day
- 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 dental problems promptly to prevent them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in St. Louis, 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, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and obtaining the care of an experienced St. Louis, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, MO, we are committed to ensuring all St. Louis, 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 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, MO.