Local and national public health officials are advising neighborsand the county as a whole to stay at home as much as possible. While essentialtrips like grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, and medical emergencies are themost notable exceptions, it can be difficult to know when an emergency dentalvisit is warranted. According to an emergency dentistin Savannah, here’s what you need to know regarding dental emergencieswhile under quarantine.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentalemergencies “are potentially life threatening and require immediate treatmentto stop ongoing tissue bleeding [or to] alleviate severe pain or infection.” Theseare considered to be the most serious forms of dental issues that can occur andinclude but are not limited to:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Soft tissue bacterial infections with intraoralor extraoral swelling that potentially compromise the airway
- Trauma involving facial bones that potentially compromisethe airway
With that said, the ADA has also classified dental issuesinto a category called ”urgent dental care.” This “focuses on the management ofconditions that require immediate attention to relieve severe pain and/or riskof infection.” Seeing a dentist for these issues, rather than an emergencyroom, works to reduce the burden that many hospital departments are already experiencingdue to COVID-19.
For example, urgent dental care treatments refer to:
- Third-molar pain
- Pain as a result of dry socket
- Severe dental pain
- Tooth fracture that causes pain or soft tissuetrauma
- Knocked-out teeth
- Oral bacterial infections or abscesses thatcause pain and swelling
- Lost or broken restorations that result in gumirritation
What is NOT Considered a Dental Emergency?
With dental emergencies and urgent dental care in mind, theADA has also noted which dental issues can wait longer to be addressed. Keep inmind that a dentist will use their best judgement based on your current symptomsto determine if an emergency appointment is the most appropriate action. It’simportant that you call the dentist regardless of whether you think it’s adental emergency or not. However, it’s also important to stay calm in the eventthe dentist tells you that your concern can wait a few days before being handled.
Nonemergency dental procedures refer to:
- Routine oral examinations or recall visits, includingX-rays
- Dental cleanings and preventive therapies
- Orthodontic procedures that don’t address pain, infectionor trauma
- Removal of teeth that carry no immediate concerns
- Cosmetic dentistry (i.e. teeth whitening,cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, etc.)
- Restorative dentistry, such as for cavities withno serious symptoms
How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
To reduce your risk for experiencing dental emergencies, it’scrucial that you practice the following:
- Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Avoid using your teeth as a tool (whether it’s toopen packages or bottles)
- Always use a mouthguard when playing contactsports
- Chew food carefully and make sure to avoid hardfoods like popcorn kernels, nuts, toffee, ice cubes, and hard candy
- Wear a nightguard if you suffer from chronicteeth grinding and clenching
With the right tips in mind, you too can avoid a dental emergency.However, if one does appear, don’t be afraid to call a dentist today forguidance!
About the Author
Dr. Charles Fana has been serving the community of Savannah for decades. Thanks to his additional clinical education with experienced physicians and surgeons, he’s even more equipped to handle dental emergencies and get you out of discomfort if one occurs. To schedule an appointment, you can contact his office through his website.
