Due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis, the government has ordered all non-essential businesses to close their doors. Dental practices can only take severe or urgent cases. Dental offices have been closed since March 18.
Telephonic platform:
Patients can talk to their dentist on the phone to share dental concerns. The doctor will assess the situation over the phone to determine the urgency or severity. The dentist will provide phone a consultation if your situation is not urgent.
But in case it’s urgent, you could visit your dentist for the treatment as quickly as possible under all the necessary precautionary measures.
6 TYPES OF DENTAL EMERGENCIES
A dental emergency can cause significant discomfort, and it is best to call your dentist when the pain worsens. The following are considered dental emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#1 Toothaches:
If you suffer from toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water two to three times a day. In case of swelling, you can apply ice to the outside of your mouth. Dental floss can also be used to remove the lodged food.
Remember, not to put aspirin against your gums near the aching tooth as it can cause a burning sensation in your gums. Also, if there is a severe toothache, we do not recommend any home treatments, see your dentist immediately.
#2 Broken or chipped teeth:
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, and it is bleeding heavily, apply ice immediately and call LandMark Dentistry for emergency care.
#3 Objects trapped between teeth:
Use dental floss gently to remove the object. Avoid using any sharp object or pin to poke the stuck object between your teeth. But it is to be kept in mind that these sharp objects can end up cutting your gums, causing further damage. So, it is always recommended to call your dentist in any emergency.
#4 Extruded tooth:
This is, of course, a dental emergency and you must call your dentist for an appointment. Until then, you can apply ice to the affected area.
#5 Broken braces wires:
If a wire sticks out of the braces or breaks and starts poking your gum, cheek, or tongue, we recommend you not to try and reposition the wire, it may cause further damage. See your dentist at the earliest to avoid any complications.
#6 Soft tissue injuries:
Soft tissue injuries that include gums, lips, and cheeks can cause bleeding. You can apply ice on the outside of your mouth to control bleeding or relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY A DENTAL EMERGENCY?
Dental emergencies must be limited to the extent of severe pain, infections, intensive bleeding, or trauma. According to the ADA, situations that are life-threatening and need instant medical attention are considered dental emergencies.
Do you have a toothache?
As dental practices are not available for regular checkups, you must contact your dentist by telephone if it is non-emergency related. LandMark Dentistry is here to help you in any dental emergency. But be aware that during this pandemic, every dental treatment is not considered urgent.
On a pain scale of 1 to 10:
- From 0 to 3, the patient can wait
- From 3 to 6, the dentist can send a prescription to his or her patient
- From 7 onwards, the patient needs an urgent solution
Call the dentist only if:
- Your gums are swollen, and swelling extends below the eye or into the neck
- You force yourself to swallow your saliva
- Your gums are bleeding
- Your mouth is bleeding after an intervention or shock
- A tooth was expelled
- You suffered a blow to your mouth
- Broken braces can cause pain in your gums or cheek
- Stitches are to be removed
- A toothache can be a reason for an emergency if you are in consistent pain, on a scale of 1 to 10, a pain threshold being more significant than 7.
Unnecessary to call the dentist if:
The medical condition is not an emergency.
Such as:
- Resealing of crowns, bridges, permanent or temporary, and whatever the clinical situation is not an emergency.
- Dull toothache.
- A fractured tooth without pain or a fractured removal appliance cannot be considered an emergency.
- A tooth decay without any or less intense pain.
- Gingivitis is also not considered an emergency.
REASON TO CALL YOUR DENTIST DURING THE PANDEMIC
It is always recommended to not put your life at risk. During this Pandemic, when everyone is staying at home, to avoid the virus, there are certain provisions in which the patient has to see the doctor to circumvent further complications.
American Dental Association has issued a list of dental emergencies in which the patient has to call the doctor in order to overcome any intense oral pain.
WHAT TO DO IF A DENTAL EMERGENCY ARISES AND HOW LANDMARK DENTISTRY CAN HELP?
LandMark Dentistry is here to help you in case of any dental emergency. You can contact us and share your concerns with us.
Our expert doctors will recommend the best possible and the most accessible solution during this pandemic. We will provide the best dental care at any of our 4 locations during this critical time.