Emergency Dental Care: Getting Dental Treatment During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Emergency dental patient in need of dental treatment

You probably already know it. That the dull ache underneath that tooth won’t subside on its own. That chipped tooth will only get worse if it continues to go untreated. That uncomfortable sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink will only increase in severity. Yet, as the world hunkers down to wait out the current coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, many Americans are wrestling with a crucial question, “is my dental problem urgent enough to seek treatment now?”

Find out what qualifies a dental emergency during the Covid-19 outbreak and take a look at what dental offices are doing to accommodate people just like you who need emergency dental services.

Note: This content does not constitute medical advice. Talk with your primary care physician about your personal risks to the Covid-19 outbreak to inform your decision of whether or not you’re healthy enough to interact with strangers.

Can I See a Dentist If I Have to Shelter in Place?

Yes, you can still see a dentist if your issue qualifies. Emergency dental care is considered an essential service during this outbreak. However, the American Dental Association has called on dentists nationwide to suspend all elective procedures.

In states and municipalities under order to shelter in place, dentists have been urged by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to suspend non-emergency dental services to limit person-to-person contact.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Broadly, a dental emergency is any oral-facial issue, including facial trauma, that is extremely time sensitive – that is, any issue affecting your mouth or facial bones that’ll become much worse if you don’t act soon.

The things that make a dental issue an emergency are elevated pain and increased vulnerability:

What Should I Do If I’m on a long-term treatment plan?

Call your dentist to get guidance on what you can do at home to maintain the progress you’ve made during treatment until normalcy returns and you can resume treatment. If your treatment is considered an “elective procedure,” your emergency dentist will likely ask you to hold off until they restore normal operations.

What If My Issue is Urgent, But Not an Emergency?

Consider telemedicine. As movement across the country continues to tighten, dentists are increasingly adjusting to these limitations by offering virtual consultations. You may be able to get a preliminary exam via a mobile device, laptop or desktop computer equipped with a camera and microphone. It may be the next best thing to a 24-hour emergency dentist for the time being.

What Can I Do At Home If I’m in Self-Isolation Due to the Coronavirus?

The best things you can do to maintain your dental health at home are pretty much things we should all be doing daily: brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash twice every day.

What Are Dental Offices Doing to Minimize the Risk of Infection for Patients and Staff?

Like other small and midsize businesses, emergency dentists have been following the CDC’s Infection Control guidelines to minimize the risk of spreading Covid-19.

These measures include increasing the frequency of cleaning, taking extra care in sanitizing high tough points and minimizing person to person contact. Some dental offices are updating their websites with projected wait times for patients and are offering virtual consultations.

Why Dental Extractions May Be Necessary

extraction

Extractions are a daily procedure dentists go through. Whether it’s for one tooth, many or wisdom teeth the processes may be different depending on each patient. Teeth need to be extracted for few reasons, typically. The reasons extraction may be necessary is because the tooth is dead or infected, it needs to be removed to make room for others, or your wisdom teeth are impacted. There are always exceptions to the rule, but these are primarily the issues with teeth.

Extractions are nothing to worry about because of their routine nature. There will be the case every few patients that an extraction may be more involved than usual, but it is necessary it is removed to harm isn’t being done to the oral cavity.

Depending on your extraction type, your dentist may offer sedation methods to calm your nerves. Nitrous oxide, usually referred to as gas is a good anesthetic for patients of all ages because it does not put you to sleep and works for many. This is also a very safe option that doctors offer. Another sedation method that may be used is IV sedation. This typically is for the more severe cases, like wisdom teeth but is optional. IV sedation is typical for the tougher extractions because it does put you under. This allows for a seamless procedure for the doctor and no memory for the patient.

If you’re in need of an extraction, it is important to always see your dental professional. While they may seem like no big deal, without the proper tools or care, severe damage to the oral cavity can be done. One reason why it is important for doctors to do the procedure is because harm can be done to the jaw bone or soft tissue.

If you’re in need of an extraction, contact your dentist. Their team will be able to answer any questions or provide any other information you may need surrounding this procedure.

How Veneers May Update Your Smile

veneers

Have you been unsuccessful in achieving your dream smile? Has it seemed like you’ve gone through all of your cosmetic options? From orthodontics to whitening, to even home remedies and nothing seems to perfect your smile. If this is the case for you, veneers may be your best option that will give you a quick outcome.

Veneers are a great solution if you are looking to cover up imperfections on your already almost flawless smile. Veneers became a popular option by celebrities, who wanted to update their smile and keep it looking fresh. Veneers are an option many people choose, because you can completely customize your smile. Cosmetic dentistry comes in many different options, but the great thing about the veneers process is, you can personalize your smile in every aspect.

Veneers are a cost effective method that allows you to get your teeth looking like they are in perfect condition. Veneers are essentially a cover for your natural teeth, made of porcelain, a very strong material. Veneers are made specifically for you, so no matter the imperfection you want to fix, from size, shape, and color.

Veneers are a great option because unlike whitening your teeth are a permanent way to achieve a bright smile. Before the veneers are placed, your dentist will shave down the natural tooth, just barely to ensure a smooth, non-bulky smile. Once the procedure is perfectly formed to what you’re needs are, your dentist will go ahead with the procedure, once you agree to it.

There are many treatments that are in the cosmetic bucket, so it is a good idea to ask your dentist for your options. Your dentist will be able to walk you through any of the options that may be a good solution to achieve your smile goals. Contact our team for an appointment to upgrade your grin.