To say that the COVID-19 crisis has presented some challenges to the lives of American citizens is an understatement. Across the country, dentists have temporarily stopped providing elective forms of care in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop happening; a dental emergency can still arise. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should pay an emergency dentist in Stephens City a visit and not the ER, but why? Read on to find out.
Most Dentists are Open for Dental Emergencies
With shelter-in-place orders issued by most states, you may be confused and think that the ER is the only option for receiving treatment for dental emergencies. If you’re facing a bad toothache or some other emerging issue, it’s important to know that your local dentist is available to treat your dental emergency.
The following shows some specific issues they’re currently treating:
- Biopsy of abnormal tissue
- Severe dental pain from pulpal inflammation
- Post-operative osteitis (also referred to as dry socket)
- Dental trauma with avulsion/luxation (tooth dislodgement)
- Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing soft tissue trauma
- Dental treatment required before receiving critical medical procedures
- Abscess or localized bacterial infection resulting in pain and swelling
- Pericoronitis (gum tissue inflammation around a partially erupted molar)
- Final crown/bridge cementation if a temporary restoration is lost, broken or causing gingival (gum) irritation
Why Hospitals Should Typically be Avoided for Dental Emergencies
Here are some of the reasons that you should contact a dentist for treatment:
- He or she specializes in treating a myriad of dental emergencies.
- Health professionals at hospitals are overwhelmed with an influx of patients during the COVID-19 crisis.
- By entering a crowded emergency room, you place yourself at a greater risk of acquiring COVID-19, or you could transmit it to others.
The Exceptions to the Rule
While in most cases the best place to receive treatment for a dental emergency is at a dentist’s office, there are two situations that you should immediately head to the hospital for: oral bleeding or a broken jaw.
When you have soft tissue bleeding, you should carefully apply a cotton gauze to cause a clot to form. If, after 10 minutes, the bleeding persists, then you should head to the ER to be treated.
A bad fall or blunt force impact to the face can result in a broken jaw. If you suspect you’ve suffered a fracture, then you can tie a soft piece of cloth around your head to keep your jaw immobile while in route to the hospital.
When a dental emergency flares up, the ultimate goal is to put an end to any suffering and to restore your oral health to normal. Even though COVID-19 is still spreading, you can count on your local dentist and staff to help you in these tough times.
About the Author
A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has been treating dental emergencies for over 30 years. Because he knows that these situations can arise when you least expect them, he is available to provide the important care you need at his private practice, even during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Gromling can be reached for more information through his website.