Your Trusted Sunset Hills, MO Dentist for Personalized, Family-Friendly Care

Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry in Sunset Hills, MO

Dental Care When Something Feels Wrong

Dental pain can interrupt your day quickly. Whether you have a toothache, a broken tooth, swelling, dental trauma, or damaged dental work, Sunset Tower Family Dentistry is here to help you take the next step with clear guidance and compassionate care.

If you are experiencing an urgent dental concern, call our office and tell us what is happening. Our team will help you determine the right type of appointment based on your symptoms, comfort level, and dental needs.

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When to Call an Emergency Dentist

Some dental concerns are easy to recognize right away. Others may start as mild discomfort and become more noticeable over time. If something feels painful, unusual, or concerning, it is better to reach out than wait and wonder.

You should contact a dentist if you are experiencing:

Tooth pain that does not go away
A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
Swelling near a tooth or the gums
Pain when biting or chewing
A lost, loose, or damaged crown
A lost or damaged filling
A knocked-out or loosened tooth
Dental trauma or injury
A broken bridge, denture, or other dental work

This list is not a diagnosis, but it can help you recognize when it is time to call. If your symptoms are severe, spreading, or affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care right away.

Why Prompt Dental Care Matters

Tooth pain and dental injuries do not always improve on their own. A small crack, damaged filling, or lingering toothache can sometimes point to a deeper concern that needs attention.

An emergency dental visit gives Dr. Vince Riggio a chance to evaluate the area, look for the source of the problem, and explain what options may be available. Depending on what is found, the next step may involve repairing a tooth, protecting it, treating infection or inflammation, or discussing whether a tooth can be saved.

The goal is to help you understand what is happening and make a clear plan for getting out of discomfort and protecting your smile.

Common Reasons Patients Call Us

Tooth Pain

A toothache can happen for many reasons, including decay, cracks, bite pressure, gum irritation, or an issue with older dental work. If pain lingers, worsens, wakes you up, or makes it difficult to chew, it should be evaluated.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth may need attention even if it does not hurt right away. Sharp edges, sensitivity, visible damage, or difficulty chewing are all reasons to call. Dr. Riggio can evaluate the tooth and talk through the best way to restore comfort and function.

Lost or Damaged Dental Work

A loose crown, lost filling, broken bridge, or damaged denture can make eating and speaking uncomfortable. If a restoration comes loose or breaks, keep the piece if you still have it and bring it with you to your visit.

Swelling or Signs of Infection

Swelling around a tooth or the gums should be taken seriously. Call the office for guidance if you notice swelling, pressure, drainage, or worsening discomfort. If swelling is severe or affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Emergency Dental Care With a Restorative Perspective

Emergency dentistry often connects closely with restorative care. A painful or damaged tooth may need to be repaired, protected, treated, or replaced depending on the situation.

Dr. Riggio’s advanced training in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and complex restorative procedures helps him look at both the immediate concern and the long-term health of your smile. During your visit, he will explain what he sees, answer your questions, and help you understand the next step without making you feel rushed.

What to Share When You Call

When you contact our office, it helps to share a few details about what is happening. You do not need to know exactly what is wrong. Just tell us what you are feeling and what changed.

Helpful details include:

Where the pain or concern is located
When the problem started
Whether there is swelling
Whether a tooth or restoration broke
Whether the issue was caused by an injury
Whether you are having trouble eating or chewing
Whether you are a new or existing patient

The more we know, the better we can help guide your next step.

Emergency Dental Care in Sunset Hills

Sunset Tower Family Dentistry provides emergency dentistry for patients in Sunset Hills, South County, and nearby St. Louis communities. If you are dealing with tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or damaged dental work, our team is here to help you feel heard, informed, and supported.

No Insurance? Ask About the Sunset Advantage Plan

For patients without dental insurance, Sunset Tower Family Dentistry offers the Sunset Advantage Plan, an in-house membership option designed to support preventive care and provide savings on additional treatment.

If you have questions about the plan, our team can explain how it works and help you decide whether it may be a good fit for your needs.

Call for Emergency Dental Care

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Sunset Tower Family Dentistry as soon as possible. Call 314-849-5600 and tell our team what is happening so we can help you take the next step.

Frequently Asked questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can include tooth pain that does not go away, a broken or chipped tooth, swelling, a knocked-out or loosened tooth, or damaged dental work such as a lost crown or filling. If something feels painful, unusual, or concerning, it is best to call the office for guidance.

Should I call the dentist for a broken tooth if it does not hurt?

Yes. A broken or chipped tooth may still need attention even if it is not painful right away. Sharp edges, sensitivity, visible damage, or trouble chewing are all reasons to have the tooth evaluated.

What should I do if a crown or filling comes loose?

Call the office and explain what happened. If you still have the crown, filling, or broken piece, keep it and bring it with you to your appointment so the dentist can evaluate the area and discuss next steps.

When should I seek emergency medical care instead of calling the dentist?

If swelling is severe, spreading, or affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, seek emergency medical care right away. For tooth pain, broken teeth, swelling near a tooth, or damaged dental work, call the dental office so the team can help guide your next step.

Patient Stories

What our patients are saying

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, caring, no pain. Love them all!!
  
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   Cathy Sansom 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not a 5 due to being taken late for my appointment. Otherwise the staff is wonderful, especially the dental hygienist who worked on me (she has white hair) she is one of the best I have ever had there.
  
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   Laura Sanders 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I walked in not in the best mood from a text.  Who would think you can walk into the dentist in a bad mood and come out refreshed.  The hygienist (Terri) was very experienced, explained everything, had a positive attitude, did a good job, and I walked out with a set of clean teeth and happy.  Her advice was better than most dentists.
  
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   Stephen Winkelhoch 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly and professional staff. Have been a patient for over 30years. Excellent care.
  
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   jan ritter 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic people! Very professional!
  
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   Barry Guiot 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love all you guys!! Been over 25 years!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Jeff Terrell 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have gone to this practice for many years.  They are respectful, kind, professional and are there when you need them.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mary Jane Pieber 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Sunset Tower Family Dentistry  for many years and have received exceptional care from the staff. They are always friendly, always efficient, always professional.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Rob Mihalevich 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at Sunset Tower Family Dental are fantastic, caring, professional and make you feel you are the most important patient.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Joe Gleason

Emergency Dentistry