As the world continues to closely watch the daily news to learn more about the infectious disease known as COVID-19, you may be taking every precaution to keep you and your family safe. However, no matter how proactive you might be, accidents can still happen, and when they do, it is time to get help. But what constitutes a dental emergency, and will your dentist be able to see you when a crisis occurs? To get the answers you need, hear from a local dentist who can provide clarification and reassurance, especially in your time of need.
What Should You Do to Protect Yourself From COVID-19?
It is likely that you have heard your local news stations recommending guidelines from the Centers for Disease Protection (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on ways you can protect you and your family from contracting COVID-19. Some of these tips include:
- Using soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Opt for hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Practice “social distancing” by staying at home and avoiding those who are sick.
What Is Your Dentist Doing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?
Most dentist’s offices throughout the country are closed or working with limited resources at this time. As a result, some are choosing to see only patients who are dealing with dental emergencies. Although many injuries and accidents can be managed and treated at home using over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses or ice packs, and saltwater rinses, there are instances where you may need to see your dentist.
Should you need immediate care, trust that they are taking all the necessary precautions to keep you and their team safe by regularly and thoroughly sanitizing and disinfecting all equipment, tools, and surfaces.
How Do You Know if It’s a Real Emergency?
The American Dental Association (ADA) breaks dental emergencies down into three categories that can help you determine if what you are experiencing is a true crisis:
- Dental Emergencies: Continuous bleeding, increased swelling, trauma to the face that could block the airway
- Urgent Dental Care: Dry sockets, lost filling or crown, severe toothache, chipped or broken tooth, soft tissue injury
- Non-Emergency Dental Procedures: Regular checkups and cleanings, tooth extractions, cosmetic and restorative dentistry
Your health and safety are a priority, so no matter what kind of accident or injury you face, do not hesitate to call your dentist. Their qualified staff will address your situation and determine if you should come in right away or pursue at-home care.
About the Practice
Dupont Family Dentistry and millions of other dental offices throughout the country are facing the impact of COVID-19. With most practices closed and seeing only emergency patients, it is now up to the dentists to determine how urgent a patient’s needs are and whether at-home care will suffice for now. If you believe you are dealing with a dental emergency, do not wait to seek assistance. Offering emergency dentistry in DuPont, our team will be happy to take your call and walk through the necessary steps to help you care for your situation at home. If necessary, we will get you in as soon as possible to see a member of our dental team. Be sure to contact us at (253) 964-7000 to find out how we can help.