What Should You Do If You Are Faced With a Dental Emergency During COVID19?

These are uncertain times we are living in, mainly due to the COVID 19 pandemic that hit globally in a span of months. This pandemic has forced us to change our way of life and to figure out new ways and strategies of how to protect ourselves and our loved ones against contracting this disease.

In light of this, the dental fraternity was forced to cut back on conducting elective and routine dental procedures and focus mainly on handling dental emergency cases entirely.

This move was carried out to not only reduce the risk of exposing patients and dental teams to the virus but also to make available the personal protective equipment that is direly needed by frontline health workers and caregivers.

A dental emergency can occur at any time be it day or night; the vital question is, when should you visit our dentist for treatment?

Despite the COVID 19 pandemic, our dental team led by our renowned dentist Dr Cecilia Sorelle, is available and ready to see you or your loved ones through any dental emergencies.

When Should You Visit the Dentist?

You should contact our dentist in Petersburg, FL if you are faced with a dental emergency. Dental emergencies require prompt treatment and should not be overlooked.

Receiving timely treatment during such an emergency could go a long way in preventing irreversible tooth loss or permanent tissue damage. In addition to this, timely medical intervention during dental emergencies could also save your life.

Here are some guidelines issued due to COVID 19, which can help you ascertain whether you or a member of your family needs to come in and see our dentist urgently.

You should contact us urgently if:

• You are experiencing any persistent or excessive bleeding in or around your mouth
• You have a gum infection or any painful swellings on your gums
• You need to get a biopsy conducted on an abnormal tissue within your oral cavity
• You have any broken tooth that is causing a severe toothache
• You have a knocked-out tooth
• You need to have stitches removed, or your dressing changed after your emergency surgical, dental procedure
• You have any painful swelling around your mouth or jaw
• You are facing a severe and persistent toothache that is accompanied by a fever. This could indicate an abscessed tooth which is a life-threatening dental issue
• You have mouth ulcers that do not clear out within two weeks

If your dental problem falls within this category, then contacting our dentist Dr Cecilia Sorelle, would be appropriate since she will advise you further on what to do under such circumstances.

It is essential to contact us before your emergency visit. Doing so will allow us also to ascertain whether you should come in to see us or if we can walk you through how to handle the issue from home.

How to Handle Dental Non-Emergencies At Home

Dental issues such as mild toothaches, broken dentures chipped teeth, and loose crowns are considered non-emergencies. During this pandemic, we have walked with several of our patients on how to handle dental pain and emergencies.

Here are some of the common dental incidences that can occur at any given time and how you can handle these dental issues from home:

• A Chipped or Broken Tooth That Is Painless

A chipped or broken tooth that is not causing you any sleepless nights is not an emergency. While you wait to see our dentist for a restoration, you can apply a temporary filling material from home, which is available at your local pharmacy.

It would help if you also practice good oral hygiene to prevent food particles from lodging within the affected tooth, a scenario that may lead to tooth decay or gum infections.

• Tooth Aches

You have probably wondered before about how to handle dental pain. It would be best if you took some painkillers regularly to numb the pain. Clove oil can also help alleviate dental pain.

Other than managing the pain, you should not skip out on brushing and flossing your teeth daily.

If the toothache does not seem to subside within a few days, or if it intensifies, contact our dentistry, and we will advise you on the next course of action.

• Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be disturbing. Try using a desensitizing toothpaste during your daily brushing sessions. Also, avoid hot or cold food and drinks that tend to aggravate the affected teeth.

If the sensitivity does not wear off within a few days, contact us for guidance. Persistent tooth sensitivity could indicate pulpitis or an abscessed tooth and should not be overlooked.

• Wisdom Tooth Aches

These can be managed from home as long as they are not causing any difficulties in swallowing or functionality.

Rinse out your mouth with warm salty water regularly and take some painkillers, you can also apply an ice pack to reduce facial inflammation.

Remember to keep in touch with our dental team at Dental Arts Ninth St, regarding all your dental issues and queries. We offer phone consultations for all our patients during this time.

For the safety of our dental team and other patients do call in advance, because we will have to ask you about your current health and probable exposure to the COVID 19 virus before booking you an appointment.