Emergency Dentist On What Constitutes a True Emergency During COVID-19

March 15, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — guthrieddsteam @ 4:08 pm
Model of a tooth and first-aid kit from an emergency dentist

You’re probably aware that dental offices are closed for routine care during COVID-19. But what if you have a dental emergency? And how do you know when you need an emergency dentist in Ardmore right away and when it can wait? First of all, rest assured that dentists are still open for critical care during COVID-19, so you can always get the care you need. And keep reading below to find out how to determine whether you’re having a true emergency or not. You’ll also learn some easy strategies to prevent dental emergencies at home as much as possible! 

When Do You Need Immediate Care For a Dental Emergency During COVID-19?

The following guidelines will help you know if you need immediate dental care or not. However, keep in mind that you can always call an emergency dentist if you aren’t sure. They’re always happy to give you advice over the phone, set up an appointment if necessary, or simply put your mind at ease.

With that said, all of the following are signs that you need immediate care:

  • A knocked-out tooth – If you or a loved one knocks out a tooth, call an emergency dentist right away. You’ll have the best chance of saving it if you can be seen within an hour. 
  • A broken tooth or filling that’s causing pain – A broken tooth that’s not painful needs to be looked at soon, but usually isn’t critical. However, try to chew on the opposite side until it’s been treated to prevent it from breaking again. If you have a broken tooth that is painful, call a dentist to schedule a visit right away. 
  • Swelling – Swelling in your lip or cheek or a pimple-like bump on your gums is often a sign of a severe cavity or infection. This situation needs to be addressed immediately to keep the infection from spreading and becoming dangerous. 
  • Severe pain – If you aren’t able to eat, sleep, or work due to any kind of dental pain, you need immediate care.  

Also, while everyone is encouraged to avoid going to the hospital during COVID-19 unless it’s absolutely necessary, you do need medical care if you have a broken jaw, severe cuts, or heavy bleeding won’t stop after applying pressure for 15 minutes. If you aren’t sure, start by calling an emergency dentist for advice over the phone.  

How Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies During COVID-19?

  • Do well with your brushing and flossing. This alone will go a long way towards preventing cavities, painful toothaches and other problems. 
  • Wear a custom-made nightguard if you clench and grind to prevent chips and fractures. 
  • If you play sports, a custom-made sports guard will prevent knocked-out teeth and other serious injuries. 
  • Don’t open bottles or packages with your teeth. 
  • Be mindful of how you chew when you eat hard, crunchy foods like peanut brittle, nuts and seeds, or hard candies, especially if you have a lot of dental work. 

One last note, while dental offices are only open for emergency care at this time, schedule a checkup and cleaning as soon as they reopen. That’s the best way to make sure any small problems are found and addressed before they turn into an emergency! 

About the Author 

Dr. Jamie Guthrie is an award-winning general and emergency dentist in Ardmore with 20 years of experience. She’s dedicated to helping her patients stay healthy during COVID-19 and is always just a phone call away when they need emergency care. If you think you may be having a dental emergency or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Request An Appointment
Download Our Forms
Like Us On Facebook
Read Our Reviews
RequestDownload Our FormsFacebookGoogle Plus