The coronavirus is highly contagious and can infect anyone. Though some people are more prone to it than others, patients do not want to increase their exposure. Because the virus spreads through close contact, health officials want people to stay more than 6 feet away from others. Dental procedures require patients and dental office staff to be closer than this limit. Thus, non-essential appointments are not available during the pandemic.
Daily brushing is an effective way to stave off tooth decay. Patients should do this twice a day and floss once a day. However, twice-a-year visits to the dentist can further help patients remove plaque and other buildup from their teeth. Also, at wellness visits, a hygienist will take X-rays, showing the dentist a close look at the patient’s teeth. As the American Dental Association considers emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease, officials have deemed these two services as non-essential. Patients should continue good dental hygiene during this time.
There are times when filling a cavity would be an emergency. Some untreated cavities can turn into infections and cause intense pain. However, small cavities can wait for weeks or even months for the dentist to repair them. The question is how does the patient know whether they have a non-emergency cavity? If the person does not have a toothache or tooth sensitivity, filling the cavity is not a pressing matter. Also, some dentists may prefer to wait if the cavity is on a baby tooth.
As embarrassing as it may be to have a broken or chipped tooth, it may not be an emergency. Again, this depends on whether the patient is in pain or cannot eat without discomfort. Another emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease question is whether to fix stained or discolored teeth. Teeth-whitening procedures are not emergencies and should not take place during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some oral health conditions require immediate treatment. Patients should go to the emergency dentist to repair severely broken or knocked-out teeth. Patients who have an intense, continuous toothache should also make an appointment. Jaw pain or swelling would also require a visit.
If any of your current dental issues fall into the non-essential category, continue to care for your teeth. You can put off an appointment to the dentist until the pandemic restrictions are over. During this time of emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease uncertainty, pay attention to these guidelines so that you can make the right choice. If you are confused, call your dentist.
Same day crown technology has made it possible for patients to get a crown over a tooth on the same day as their dental appointment. Crowns, commonly known as "caps," can treat a broad range of dental problems. They are used to treat decayed parts of teeth, replace a missing tooth as part of a…
An All-on-4® treatment can replace multiple teeth. This extensive procedure is for people who are going to have several teeth extracted. It is also for those who have lost many teeth already. Knowing all that you can about the teeth-replacement options available to you is important. If you want to know if an All-on-4 can…
A bone graft is a surgical procedure for correcting issues with bones or joints. It involves transplanting bone tissue to a deficient area and is beneficial for bones that are damaged or lost due to trauma or tooth loss. Advances in dental technique and technology have made the procedure easier and effective for stimulating jawbone…
Same day crown technology has made it possible for patients to get a crown over…
A bone graft is a surgical procedure for correcting issues with bones or joints.
A dentist can diagnose the problem and explain the fixes necessary.
Contrary to common opinion, wisdom tooth extraction is not always required.
Getting All-on-4 requires minor oral surgery, so patients should be healthy enough to recover.
