What to Do During a Dental Emergency in St. Joseph, MO (And Why We Offer Same-Day Care)
A dental emergency is frightening, often painful, and rarely happens at a convenient time. Whether it’s a sudden toothache late on a Thursday or an unexpected sports injury, knowing what to do in those crucial first minutes can often save your tooth.
At Foundations of Health Dental Care in St. Joseph, MO, we understand the urgency. That’s why we reserve time in our daily schedule for same-day emergency appointments. Your health and comfort are our top priority. Here is your essential guide to handling the most common dental crises until you can get to our office.
Stop. Assess. Act: Your Emergency Checklist
The moment a dental injury occurs, try to remain calm. Panic can prevent you from taking the simple, immediate steps that can make a huge difference in the outcome.
A Severe Toothache
A severe toothache often indicates a deep infection or inflammation.
- First Aid: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water to clean the area. Gently use dental floss to dislodge any food debris trapped between the teeth. Never place aspirin directly on your gum or tooth, as this can burn the tissue.
- Our Action: If the pain is caused by a serious infection, the tooth may require urgent care such as a Root Canal to save the tooth and eliminate the bacteria causing the pain.
A Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
If a permanent tooth is fully dislodged, time is critical—you typically have less than an hour for the best chance of successful re-implantation.
- First Aid: Find the tooth immediately. Pick it up gently by the crown (the top part), never the root. If possible, gently rinse it with water, but do not scrub off any attached tissue. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If that is not possible, transport it in a small container of milk or your own saliva, or simply keep it moist in your mouth next to your cheek.
- Get Help: Call our St. Joseph office immediately! We need to see you as quickly as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- First Aid: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes. Apply a cold compress to the face near the injured tooth to minimize swelling. If you find the broken piece, bring it with you.
- Our Action: Depending on the severity, we may be able to repair the tooth with a simple filling, bonding, or a full crown. For non-salvageable fractures, we may discuss a Tooth Extraction and replacement options like dental implants.
You Lost a Filling or Crown
While less painful, a lost filling or crown exposes the sensitive dentin layer, making the tooth vulnerable.
- First Aid: If you still have the crown, you can temporarily re-cement it using over-the-counter dental cement or even a dab of toothpaste or petroleum jelly. Call us to schedule a repair as soon as possible.
Why Same-Day Care Matters to Your Local Dentist
A dental emergency is more than just discomfort—it’s a risk to your long-term oral health. Delaying treatment can turn a simple cavity into a severe abscess, or cause a salvageable tooth to be lost forever.
Because we are your local St. Joseph, MO dental team, we prioritize your urgent needs. You don’t have to navigate a painful situation alone or resort to an emergency room ill-equipped for specific dental issues. Call Foundations of Health Dental Care for compassionate, prompt care, and let us help you get back on the path to comfort and health.
To learn more about common dental emergencies and prevention, we encourage you to review the tips provided by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Call us immediately at (816) 233-0142 if you have a dental emergency.
