Why Urgent Dental Care Services Are Essential During Covid 19 Lockdown

Why Urgent Dental Care Services Are Essential During Covid 19 Lockdown

Jul 01, 2020

The world has not been the same ever since the coronavirus pandemic became a global crisis. The pandemic has forced world leaders to resort to extreme measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.

Most businesses and other social facilities that attract crowds due to their products or services have been forced to shut down following the lockdown directive from governments. Dental practices have been affected by this move since it only permits them to offer essential or otherwise urgent services.

This means that it may not be possible for you to go for your routine services, such as hygiene appointments or dental filling. Our dentists at Encanto family dental care are using innovative ways such as virtual dentistry to continue to assess whether our esteemed clients require emergency dental care.

A dental emergency is a dental complication that is potentially life-threatening or may cause irreparable damage to your oral health.

Dental emergencies demand immediate medical attention to:

  • Prevent bacterial infection from making its way into your airway
  • Protect your airway from damage due to trauma to your facial bone
  • Stop excessive bleeding
  • Alleviate pain

Symptoms of Dental Emergencies

You should promptly seek treatment if you exhibit any of these symptoms:

  • Unusual swelling on your gums
  • Excruciating pain
  • Persistent bleeding
  • Loose teeth
  • Swelling visible on your face

Examples of Dental Emergencies

During this coronavirus pandemic, watch out for the following dental emergencies:

Loose teeth

If you notice a loose tooth or a tooth that is not correctly aligned, try and put it back its original position by gently applying pressure to it using your finger. Contact your dentist for advanced treatment.

Knocked-out teeth

You may have an accident that results in you losing a tooth or several. Contact the dentist in case this happens. Getting immediate treatment will increase the likelihood of your tooth being restored.

Cracked tooth

There is no cause for alarm in case your cracked tooth does not cause you pain. Severe cases of a cracked tooth, however, cause unbearable pain and require immediate medical attention.

Dental abscess

An abscessed tooth contains a pocket of pus that causes infection. This condition is dangerous and requires a quick medical response to prevent the spread of the infection to other body parts.

Facial pain

This may be caused by trauma to the face. Quickly seek medical care in case the pain and swelling persist.

Tissue damage

Tissue damage is a result of lacerations on your lips, cheeks, or tongue. To avoid getting infected, these wounds require immediate medical attention.

First Aid Practices for Your Dental Emergency

Before visiting your dentists, the following practices will help improve chances for recovery, alleviate pain, and prevent further damage:

  • In case your tooth is dislodged, try putting it back to its position by gently biting it down. If this is not an option, place the tooth in a cup of milk or a small container.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water when you get a tooth fracture or tissue damage.
  • To minimize swelling, place ice packs on your face when you experience trauma.
  • Taking acetaminophen will aid with pain management.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

It is a well-known fact that prevention is better than cure. Preventing these dental emergencies will help avoid the stress they cause and also save you money. The following practices will help you maintain your oral health:

  • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day
  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports
  • Avoid biting hard surfaces and chewing hard food

During this period, dental extractions are the primary services offered as a solution to most dental emergencies. The limiting of health care services due to the lockdown directive by most governments has increased the likelihood of mild dental complications to grow into potentially severe dental emergencies.

It is your responsibility to ensure health safety by educating yourself on dental healthcare. It would be best if you also observed general oral hygiene to help minimize the risk of infection.

In case you suspect you have an emergency dental condition, contact us today. Using virtual dentistry, our dentist will examine your condition and determine whether it is a dental emergency or a mild complication.

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