Dental emergency in Webster Groves, MO. It’s challenging to imagine how troubling a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Webster Groves, MO, while we urge everyone to undergo their routine check-ups, we keep our doors open to assist those dealing from a dental emergency obtain the therapy they require. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Webster Groves, MO, contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to schedule an appointment immediately.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Webster Groves, MO
You didn’t start your day thinking you’d need emergency dental services in Webster Groves, MO. Nonetheless, Plaza is on hand to help. Our skilled dental team is fully prepared to address diverse dental emergencies and restore your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona is proud of providing care every patient with the same level of dedication he would provide to his own family, guaranteeing a favorable patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained valuable experience by managing challenging cases in an educational environment that many dentists generally don’t experience until they’re years into their career. That makes Plaza Dental Center uniquely qualified to address dental emergencies in Webster Groves, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Regardless of your prior visits with other dentists in Webster Groves, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative visit in the dental chair, particularly one that discourages people from seeking required dental care in the future. We consistently go the extra mile to guarantee that our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their appointments.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies happen for a variety of reasons, which may include:
- 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 Webster Groves, 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
- Place a chilled compress to the affected area in order to reduce swelling
- Get in touch with your dentist right away for an appointment
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Hold it by the crown (upper part), making sure to avoid the root
- Rinse the tooth gently with water if dirty, but avoid scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments
- Try to put back the tooth into its socket, if feasible, without exerting excessive pressure on it
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, put the tooth in a container with dairy milk or your own saliva
- Find dental help within a half-hour for the best chance of saving the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches commonly suggest an underlying dental problem, such as an infection or an abscess. The pain may be agonizing and continual, necessitating immediate care to ease discomfort.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to alleviate pain
- Use dental floss to eliminate any foreign objects or food particles that could be causing the discomfort
- Take non-prescription analgesic if necessary
- Get in touch with your dentist to arrange an visit 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, discomfort, and additional harm. Getting immediate dental care becomes essential to restore the damaged restoration or replace it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to clean the affected area
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to schedule an visit for restoration repair or replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth indicates a severe infection that affects the tooth’s root or the surrounding gum tissue. It can result in intense pain, 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 relieve swelling
- Reach out to your dentist immediately for further evaluation and care
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 cold water
- Apply light pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth to manage the bleeding
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to determine the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures occur due to trauma or accidents, causing discomfort, difficulty in speaking and eating, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to diminish swelling
- Keep the jaw immobilized by using a scarf or bandage 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 uncomfortable and lead to pain or inflammation. Gently removing the object without inflicting further harm is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to avoid injury
- If unable to remove the object, reach out to your dentist for help in safe extraction
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can break or get loose, resulting in oral damage.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Get in touch with your orthodontist for advice on how to address the issue
- Avoid trying to fix the appliance on your own to minimize further damage
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Webster Groves, MO
Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care. Some problems may be resolved with over-the-counter remedies, while others can be checked during your forthcoming dental examinations. Below are some instances where you should call an emergency dentist in Webster Groves, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or facial swelling that persists 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 swelling 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 Webster Groves, MO for help. Our experienced team can review your situation via telephone and offer appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Webster Groves, MO
While some dental emergencies are unpredictable, the best method method is always prevention. Below are some useful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Webster Groves, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regularly performing thorough brushing and flossing each day
- 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 any issues with your teeth or gums promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for upkeeping oral health
Other services we offer in Webster Groves, 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 Webster Groves, MO
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being aware of what to do and seeking the treatment of an experienced Webster Groves, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Webster Groves, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Webster Groves, 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 nagging 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 Webster Groves, MO.