You might be wondering how emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease guidelines impact your dental needs. If you are like many other patients, you may have to wait for your next checkup. Though dentists advise people to have a semiannual exam, the coronavirus has put a temporary end to these visits. Dentist offices have not closed their doors altogether, though. Understanding what issues are emergencies and which are not will help you know when to make an appointment.
The coronavirus is highly contagious and can infect anyone. Though some people are more prone to it than others, patients do not want to increase their exposure. Because the virus spreads through close contact, health officials want people to stay more than 6 feet away from others. Dental procedures require patients and dental office staff to be closer than this limit. Thus, non-essential appointments are not available during the pandemic.
Daily brushing is an effective way to stave off tooth decay. Patients should do this twice a day and floss once a day. However, twice-a-year visits to the dentist can further help patients remove plaque and other buildup from their teeth. Also, at wellness visits, a hygienist will take X-rays, showing the dentist a close look at the patient’s teeth. As the American Dental Association considers emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease, officials have deemed these two services as non-essential. Patients should continue good dental hygiene during this time.
There are times when filling a cavity would be an emergency. Some untreated cavities can turn into infections and cause intense pain. However, small cavities can wait for weeks or even months for the dentist to repair them. The question is how does the patient know whether they have a non-emergency cavity? If the person does not have a toothache or tooth sensitivity, filling the cavity is not a pressing matter. Also, some dentists may prefer to wait if the cavity is on a baby tooth.
As embarrassing as it may be to have a broken or chipped tooth, it may not be an emergency. Again, this depends on whether the patient is in pain or cannot eat without discomfort. Another emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease question is whether to fix stained or discolored teeth. Teeth-whitening procedures are not emergencies and should not take place during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some oral health conditions require immediate treatment. Patients should go to the emergency dentist to repair severely broken or knocked-out teeth. Patients who have an intense, continuous toothache should also make an appointment. Jaw pain or swelling would also require a visit.
If any of your current dental issues fall into the non-essential category, continue to care for your teeth. You can put off an appointment to the dentist until the pandemic restrictions are over. During this time of emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease uncertainty, pay attention to these guidelines so that you can make the right choice. If you are confused, call your dentist.
An emergency dentist is essential for anyone facing unexpected dental issues that require immediate attention. Whether the issue is a severe toothache, injury, or infection, seeking help from an emergency dentist provides prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications. Taking immediate action allows patients to alleviate pain and avoid long-term damage to their oral…
An emergency dentist frequently observes patients arriving with serious dental pain or infections that develop when consistent oral care and timely checkups are overlooked. Following a few simple yet effective preventative strategies makes many urgent dental problems less likely to occur. Here are three oral hygiene tips that help protect teeth and gums, reducing the…
A family dentist plays a central role in long-term oral health, and choosing the right family dentist helps households stay consistent with preventive care. Because dental needs evolve from childhood through adulthood and into later years, the ideal practice supports a wide range of services in one location. The right choice reduces stress, simplifies scheduling,…