Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies strike at unpredictable, inconvenient times. Trust the emergency dentistry team at Plaza Dental Group in West Des Moines, Iowa, to be ready to help you with sudden tooth pain, a broken restoration, or a knocked-out tooth when you need it. Call the office to get the highest quality care when you’re faced with a dental emergency, or use the online booking tool to check for the next available appointment.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry helps patients when they have a dental problem that can’t wait for a future appointment. Sudden, severe tooth pain or injury from a fall, sports tackle, or car accident are reasons you might seek out emergency dental services at Plaza Dental Group.

What types of problems need emergency dentistry services?

The team at Plaza Dental Group welcomes patients with all sorts of emergency situations. 

These include:

Lost temporary crown

Your dentist places a temporary crown when you’ve had a root canal, damaged tooth, or large cavity. Temporary crowns are just that, temporary, so losing one is not an extraordinary emergency. 

However, the team at Plaza Dental Group wants to see you within a day or two to place another one until your permanent restoration is ready. A damaged tooth without a crown is vulnerable to pain, extreme sensitivity, or infection. 

Severe tooth pain

If you experience sudden or extreme tooth pain, make an immediate appointment at Plaza Dental Group. The team can help you get relief and perform any treatments needed to avoid complications. 

Swollen jaw

A swollen jaw usually signifies an underlying problem, like an infection in the gums or teeth. Make an appointment right away and in the meantime, use a cool compress to ease swelling and inflammation. 

Lost fillings or permanent crowns

Losing a filling or permanent crown causes pain and sensitivity. If one of these restorations comes out, call Plaza Dental Group right away to get an immediate fix. 

Abscess or infection

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket in your gums. It indicates infection and causes pain. If you notice an abscess, get care right away.

Dental repair

A chipped, broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth should be brought to your dentist’s attention immediately. They can often save the tooth with quick, skilled intervention. 

How can I prevent a dental emergency?

You can’t prevent all emergencies, but you can take steps to reduce the likelihood that you’ll need the help of Plaza Dental Group at a moment’s notice.  

The team recommends:

• Wearing protective gear, like mouthguards, when playing contact sports
• Smart dental hygiene that includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping up with professional cleanings
• Using tools, not your teeth, to open packages and bottles
• Seeking care at the first sign of mouth pain

Plaza Dental Group is available when you experience a dental emergency. Call the office today or use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment.