With the nation fighting the COVID-19 crisis, Americans are sheltering in place. However, that doesn’t mean that dental emergencies will stop occurring. With dentists around the country temporarily halting most forms of dental care, what should you do in an emergent situation? Should you just head to your local emergency room (ER)? Read on to get the answer from an emergency dentist in Columbia.
Should You Visit a Dentist or the ER?
Although dentists aren’t currently offering many of their normal services, most of them are still available to provide emergency dental care. Thus, it’s important that you contact a skilled professional in these situations. Not only will a dentist be more qualified to address dental problems, taking this route helps to limit the traffic in hospitals that may already be overflowing with patients who are potentially infected with COVID-19. By taking the right route, you can better protect yourself, fellow citizens and medical professionals fighting on the frontlines in your local ER.
What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?
So that you don’t misjudge what you’re experiencing, the American Dental Association (ADA) has provided the following guidelines for what should be considered a dental emergency:
- A loose or lost tooth or dental fixture
- Uncontrolled bleeding that lasts for more than 10 minutes
- A soft tissue bacterial infection with painful swelling in the mouth or jaw, that can potentially compromise your airway
- Trauma involving facial bones that can potentially inhibit your breathing
While these are challenges that a qualified dentist can treat, there are some exceptions to the rule.
When You Should Head to the ER
If you’re experiencing either of the following issues, then it’s best to immediately head to your local ER:
- A broken jaw – If you suspect you have a broken jaw, tie a piece of soft cloth around your head to immobilize it, and immediately head to the hospital.
- Bleeding that won’t stop – If you receive a cut to the soft tissue in your mouth, you can gently apply pressure to the area with a cotton gauze to stop the bleeding. If it persists for more than 10 minutes, then head to the ER.
One of the unfortunate traits of dental emergencies is that they tend to strike at the most inopportune times. It’s good to know that your dentist in Columbia is still available to relieve any pain, correct the issues you’re facing and guide you back to excellent oral health. So if you’re facing an urgent situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
About the Author
Dr. Philip Matthews earned his dental degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He then went on to receive hands-on experience in placing crowns, performing extractions, root canal therapy and several other procedures that would successfully launch him into the dental world. Although COVID-19 has temporarily shut the nation down, Dr. Matthews is available to provide any emergency dental treatment you may need at Beck Dental Care. He can be reached for more information through his website.