Dental emergency in Woodson Terrace, MO. It’s hard to conceive how disruptive a dental emergency can be until you experience one. At Plaza Dental Center in Woodson Terrace, MO, while we advocate everyone to receive their routine examinations, we set aside sufficient time in our schedule to aid those suffering from a dental emergency get the treatment they need. If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Woodson Terrace, MO, reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 to book an appointment today.
Plaza Dental Center: Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Woodson Terrace, MO
We realize that no one wakes up anticipating an surprise visit to a dentist’s office in Woodson Terrace, MO. Nevertheless, Plaza is here to offer assistance. Our knowledgeable dental team is ready to manage different dental emergencies and fix your smile.
Dr. Joseph Cutrona takes pride in providing care every patient as though treating his own family, ensuring a great patient outcome. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Cutrona gained important knowledge by managing complicated and intricate cases in an educational context that many dentists typically aren’t exposed to until they’re years into their career. This unique background makes Plaza Dental Center exceptionally qualified to handle dental emergencies in Woodson Terrace, MO.
Of special interest to our team are patients who are nervous about going to the dentist. Regardless of your past experiences with other dentists in Woodson Terrace, MO, we strongly believe that there is never a reason to have a negative time in the dental chair, especially one that puts off people from pursuing essential dental care in the future. We consistently go out of our way to make sure that our patients feel comfortable and unwound during their visits.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur from a diverse 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 Woodson Terrace, 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:
- Rinse your mouth lightly with tepid water
- Place a chilled compress to the affected region in order to reduce inflammation
- Get in touch with your dentist immediately to schedule a visit
If the tooth was knocked out:
- Handle it by the crown (upper part), avoiding the bottom part
- Cleanse the tooth gently with clean water if soiled, but avoid scrub or detach any attached tissue
- Attempt to put back the tooth into its socket, if you can, without forcing it
- If putting it back isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or saliva
- Seek dental help in a half-hour for the best chance of rescuing the tooth
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches often signify an underlying dental issue, such as a microbial infection or a dental abscess. The discomfort could be intense and lasting, demanding urgent care to alleviate discomfort.
What to do:
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to ease pain
- Use dental floss to eliminate any particles or food particles that could be causing the pain
- Take over-the-counter analgesic if needed
- Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment promptly
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
Lost or damaged dental restorations, such as fillings or dental crowns, can expose the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitive reactions, discomfort, and additional harm. Seeking prompt dental care is necessary to repair the restoration or renew it.
What to do:
- Keep the lost dental restoration if possible
- Gargle your mouth with lukewarm saline solution to clean the affected area
- Refrain from chewing on the affected tooth
- Contact your dentist to book an appointment for restoration repair or restoration replacement
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth refers to a severe infection that impacts the tooth’s root canal or the adjacent gum tissue. It can result in excruciating pain, swelling in the face, and fever.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution to reduce bacteria
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to reduce swelling
- Contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and appropriate treatment
Bleeding Gums
Excessive and persistent bleeding from the gums, frequently followed by gum inflammation, can indicate gum disease or trauma 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
- Contact your dentist to arrange a consultation to identify the cause of the bleeding
Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures happen due to injury or accidents, causing pain, difficulty in speaking and chewing, and displacement of the jaw.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- Keep the jaw stable by using a scarf or wrap 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 irritating and result in discomfort or inflammation. Gently taking out the object without causing further injury is necessary.
What to do:
- Use dental floss to gently dislodge the lodged object
- Avoid using sharp objects to minimize injury
- If not successful, get in touch with your dentist for assistance in proper removal
Orthodontic Emergencies and Broken Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or wires, can fracture or become loose, resulting in oral injuries.
What to do:
- If a wire is poking or causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end temporarily
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance on how to resolve the issue
- Avoid attempting to fix the appliance on your own to avoid further injury
When to Go to an Emergency Dentist in Woodson Terrace, 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 see an emergency dentist in Woodson Terrace, MO immediately:
- Severe toothache or swollen face that lasts and gets worse
- A avulsed tooth
- Excessive bleeding from the mouth that does not subside
- Severe injuries to the jaw or facial area
- Uncontrolled discomfort or inflammation due to a dental inflammatory condition
- Inability to open or close your mouth due to a temporomandibular joint problem
When in doubt, always get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Woodson Terrace, MO for help. Our experienced team can assess your situation via telephone and provide appropriate advice for further care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies in Woodson Terrace, MO
While some dental emergencies happen despite our best efforts, the best treatment method is always prevention. The following are some helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency in Woodson Terrace, MO:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by consistently performing thorough 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 sticky or tough foods
- Address dental problems promptly to avoid them from getting worse
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for maintaining oral health
Other services we offer in Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to respond promptly and seeking the care of a trusted Woodson Terrace, MO emergency dentist can make the difference between an easy repair and an expensive replacement. At Plaza Dental Center in Woodson Terrace, MO, we are committed to ensuring all Woodson Terrace, 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 you can’t get rid of, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your dental emergency in Woodson Terrace, MO.