Dental emergency in University City, MO. It’s challenging to conceive how upsetting a dental emergency can be until one happens to you. At Plaza Dental Center in University City, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine cleanings and polishing, we keep our doors open to help those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the care they need. If you need care for a dental emergency in University City, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to arrange an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in University City, MO
We understand how no one wakes up expecting an unexpected visit to a dentist’s office in University City, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is on hand to offer assistance. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to manage diverse dental emergencies and bring back your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care 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 handling challenging cases in an educational setting that many dentists generally don’t encounter until years after graduation. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in University City, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. In spite of your previous encounters with other dentists in University City, MO, we firmly believe that there is never a reason to have a bad time in the dental chair, especially one that puts off people from obtaining necessary dental care in the future. We consistently go above and beyond to ensure that our patients become at ease and relaxed during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen from a variety of circumstances, 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 University City, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with warm water
- Apply a chilled pack to the swollen region to minimize inflammation
- Contact your dentist immediately for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it at the top (upper part), avoiding the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but do not rub or remove any attached tissue
- Make an effort to reinsert the tooth into its socket, if you can, without forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a receptacle with dairy milk or saliva
- Get dental aid in a half-hour for the best chance of preserving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly indicate an underlying dental problem, such as a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. The pain can be severe and persistent, requiring immediate care to relieve discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to alleviate discomfort
- Utilize dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food remnants that might be causing the pain
- Take non-prescription pain medication if needed
- Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment without delay
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as dental fillings or dental crowns, can leave the affected tooth susceptible to sensitive reactions, pain, and further damage. Obtaining timely dental care is crucial to restore the restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Retain the lost dental restoration if feasible
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to cleanse the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Reach out to your dentist to arrange an appointment for restoration fixing or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a acute infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in agonizing discomfort, facial swelling, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to minimize bacteria
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to relieve swelling
- Contact your dentist right away for a thorough examination and treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, commonly accompanied by gum inflammation, may suggest gum disease or trauma to the soft tissues.
What to do:
- Softly rinse your mouth with chilled water
- Apply gentle pressure with sterile 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 happen due to trauma or accidents, resulting in discomfort, difficulty in talking and chewing, and displacement 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 wrap to avoid further movement
- Seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency department
Foreign Object Lodged Between Teeth
Getting something stuck between the teeth can be uncomfortable and lead to pain or swelling. Carefully removing the object without inflicting further damage is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to carefully extract the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to minimize injury
- If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for help in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or come loose, resulting in oral injuries.
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 advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid attempting to repair the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in University City, MO
Not all dental problems mean you need to go directly to a dentists’ office. Some problems may be addressed with basic at-home methods, while others can be checked during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should see an emergency dentist in University City, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that continues and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- 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 TMJ-related issue
If you are unsure whether your dental issue requires emergency care, it is best to reach out to Plaza Dental Center in University City, MO for help. Our experienced team can evaluate your situation over the phone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in University City, MO
While some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, the best treatment method is always prevention. The following are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in University City, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing daily
- 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 objects, 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 worsening
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in University City, 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 University City, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of how to respond promptly and obtaining the assistance of a trusted University City, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in University City, MO, we are committed to ensuring all University City, MO residents get the dental care they need, regardless of how they feel about their smile or previous dentists. Whether you suffered an accident or have a persistent toothache you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or ask for an appointment online for your dental emergency in University City, MO.