The Dental Emergency Guide: What to Do if You Suffer a Tooth Injury in St. Louis

December 3, 2025

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Accidents often occur when they are least expected, and dental emergencies are no different. This may be due to a sporting injury, a fall, or a sudden problem with your own teeth. The way you react is often the deciding factor in the outcome. If you find yourself with a dental emergency in the St. Louis region, it is essential to remain calm to avoid further complications.

In this guide, you can expect to learn more about common dental emergencies, from recognizing symptoms to knowing what to do in specific situations, as well as when to seek professional help. Be prepared and confident in a dental emergency!

Identifying a Dental Emergency

Injuries to the teeth can range in severity, but all should be treated immediately. Quick action should be taken to ensure that the results are as positive as possible. Below are some examples of injuries that can occur:

Knocked-out Tooth

One of the most serious kinds of dental emergencies involves a tooth that has completely fallen out of its socket. If this happens, you can save it if you act quickly. It’s also necessary to handle the tooth gingerly, being extremely careful not to touch the root, and to store it in a protective agent, such as milk, until you can go to the dentist.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

This can result in a severe toothache when it exposes sensitive areas, such as the tooth’s pulp. Cracked or broken teeth may lead to infection if left untreated. Temporary relief can be achieved by rinsing with warm water and applying a cold pack to reduce swelling; however, it is essential to see a professional to avoid worsening the situation.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a filling or a crown comes out, the underlying teeth are left bare, leading to pain and sensitivity. If a filling or a crown comes out, try to put it back in its place and consult a dentist.

Toothache

If you observe a persistent or severe toothache, it may indicate a problem with decay or infection. If left untreated, a toothache can lead to more serious health problems.

Regardless of the injury, you have to understand that any kind of damage to your teeth or gums can cause further complications if it’s not addressed immediately.

What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Injury

When you have tooth damage, there are steps you must take to protect your teeth and support treatment. Here is a guide to deal with dental emergencies:

1. Extruded Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is considered one of the most serious types of dental emergencies. However, emergency care can sometimes save the tooth. Here’s what you need to do:

Pick up the tooth by its crown, not its root portion.
Rinse the tooth gently with water to remove any dirt, but do not clean or remove tissue adhering to the root surface.
If possible, try to put it back into its socket. Gently bite down to keep it in place.

If you are unable to reposition the tooth, place it in milk or a saline solution and seek an emergency dentist in St. Louis, MO as quickly as possible. In most instances, a fallen tooth can be successfully reimplanted within an hour.

2. Cracked or Broken Tooth

A broken or damaged tooth may be painful, especially if the break exposes the tooth’s nerves. Here is the procedure for dealing with this situation:

The area needs to be cleaned. You can clean the tooth by rinsing it with warm water.
Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth/cheek to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Do not chew on the side that is involved.
One should visit a dentist immediately to assess the extent of the problem and determine the next steps.

Occasionally, a crown or filling may be required to restore the tooth, and a root canal may be necessary if the damage has affected the pulp.

3. Lost Filling or Crown

If you have lost a filling or a crown, it exposes the tooth to the risk of damage and infection. Here’s what you can do:

Put the missing filling or crown back on the tooth if possible. If it’s a crown, it might help to use a little dental cement or denture adhesive to temporarily hold it in place.
You should get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible to arrange an appointment to have it corrected for good.
Meanwhile, it’s advisable to avoid eating on the affected side, particularly when consuming warm or cold foods, as this can be quite uncomfortable.

4. Toothache

Tooth pain may be mild to extreme and could be because of many reasons, such as cavities, gum disease, infection, and so forth. In case you are suffering from a toothache, then do the following:

Rinse the mouth with salt water to help reduce swelling and clean the area.
Take over-the-counter pain medicines to control the pain temporarily.
Try to avoid chewing on the affected side and avoid extremely hot and cold foods.

It is recommended to seek dental help if the pain persists for more than a day, as this may indicate a serious problem, such as an infection.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the gum, cheek, tongue, or lip tissue might also occur concurrently with dental injuries. Here are ways to manage them:

Gently clean the injured area with warm water to remove any debris.
Applying pressure to the clean cloth will control the bleeding.
Find a way to apply a cold compress.
Go to your dentist for a professional examination.

Why Seek Emergency Dental Care?

It’s imperative to seek professional dental attention as soon as possible after an injury to the teeth. This may result in complications, including:

Infections: When a tooth cracks or breaks, it can expose the pulp, creating an entryway for infection.
Increased pain: Starting the treatment late can lead to delayed or exacerbated pain.
Permanent damage: The longer you wait, the less likely it is that a dentist can restore it to normal.

When it comes to your oral health, it’s all about timely treatment. If you have a dental emergency, it’s always best to be on the safe side and seek advice from an emergency dentist in St. Louis, MO.

Protect Your Smile: Stay Calm & Act Fast

In cases of dental injury, seek immediate attention. Being informed about what to do in case of a tooth injury will help you take care of your dental health. If you are in St. Louis and are looking for emergency dental treatment, do not look any further, as this is where you can contact an emergency dentist to aid you.

For convenient and dependable care, Crestwood Dental is here to help. Our team is prepared to offer you the attention you require at this critical juncture. Contact us today to make an appointment and ensure your smile endures despite it all.

FAQs

1. What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency typically involves any injury or condition that causes severe pain, bleeding, or damage to the teeth or gums, such as a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, or an abscess.

2. How can I manage pain from a tooth injury?

You can manage pain by applying a cold compress to your face, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding hot or cold food and drinks. Visit a dentist for treatment as soon as possible.

3. Can I save a knocked-out tooth?

Yes, you can save a knocked-out tooth by placing it in milk or a saline solution and seeking emergency dental care immediately. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

4. What should I do if I lose a filling?

If you lose a filling, try to temporarily secure it with dental cement or wax, and contact your dentist for a replacement. Avoid chewing on that tooth until you can get it fixed.

5. Is it okay to wait to see a dentist for a toothache?

It’s not recommended to wait, as a toothache can indicate an underlying issue like an infection or decay that needs prompt attention. See your dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications.