Dental emergency in Sunset Hills, MO. It’s challenging to fathom how disruptive a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in Sunset Hills, MO, while we encourage everyone to receive their routine cleanings and polishing, we set aside enough time in our schedule to help those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the treatment they require. If you need care for a dental emergency in Sunset Hills, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment now.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Sunset Hills, MO
We understand how no one wakes up expecting an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in Sunset Hills, MO. However, Plaza is on hand to offer assistance. Our experienced dental team is fully prepared to handle diverse dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in treating every patient as if they were his own his own family, guaranteeing a favorable treatment. During the early stages of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by dealing with complex and extensive cases in an educational environment that many dentists typically don’t encounter until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Sunset Hills, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Despite your past experiences with other dentists in Sunset Hills, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have an unpleasant visit 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 feel relaxed and calm during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- 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 Sunset Hills, 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:
- Flush your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Place a cold pack to the inflamed region to minimize swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (the top), making sure to avoid the root
- Cleanse the tooth carefully with water if soiled, but do not rub or detach any adhered tissue
- Try 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 dairy milk or your own saliva
- Seek dental aid in a half-hour for optimal opportunity of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often signify an underlying dental issue, such as an infection or a dental abscess. The discomfort could be intense and continual, requiring urgent care to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to ease discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any debris or food remnants that could be contributing to the pain
- Use over-the-counter analgesic if necessary
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment 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, discomfort, and further damage. Getting prompt dental care becomes essential to fix the damaged restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Get in touch with your dentist to schedule an appointment for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth denotes a serious infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can cause excruciating discomfort, swelling in the face, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Reach out to your dentist immediately for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, often followed by gum inflammation, might signal gum disease or damage to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to find out the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to injury or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in talking and eating, and misalignment of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a cloth or bandage to avoid 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 cause discomfort or swelling. Carefully taking out the object without causing further damage is important.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp tools to avoid injury
- If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for help in proper removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or become loose, resulting in oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to adjust the appliance on your own to prevent further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Sunset Hills, MO
Not all dental problems require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with basic at-home methods, while others can be evaluated during your upcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in Sunset Hills, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that continues and worsens
- A knocked-out tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Severe injuries to the mandible or facial area
- Uncontrolled discomfort 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 contact Plaza Dental Center in Sunset Hills, MO for guidance. Our experienced team can assess your situation via telephone and provide appropriate recommendations for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Sunset Hills, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best approach method is always prevention. Below are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Sunset Hills, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing on a daily basis
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations and professional dental cleanings
- Wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or recreational activities
- Avoid chewing on hard substances, 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 Sunset Hills, 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 Sunset Hills, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to respond promptly and obtaining the assistance of a trusted Sunset Hills, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Sunset Hills, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Sunset Hills, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless 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 Sunset Hills, MO.