Emergency Dentistry and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: Is a Broken Tooth Considered a Dental Emergency?

Operations Update from Providence Family Dentistry in Mableton, GAAs you think about emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease, you may wonder when you can still go to the dentist. Health and government leaders have closed many businesses to promote social distancing. However, you should not hesitate to get immediate care for serious oral health issues. Among these are times when you may have a fractured tooth.

Emergency vs. non-emergency

Most dental offices in the U.S. have stopped making appointments for routine care. Local regulations are allowing offices to stay open to meet patients’ emergency needs. Examples of non-emergency visits include wellness checkups, filling minor cavities and teeth whitening. Patients should consider emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease issues before calling the dentist.

Conversely, emergency care is still available. People with severe toothaches should still come in for treatment. Jaw pain, swollen and bleeding gums, and damaged teeth should also get attention. Patients with these issues should be able to get in on the same day they call.

Why a broken tooth is an emergency

Anyone who has ever broken a tooth knows the problems this poses. A fractured tooth can cause considerable pain and make the tooth prone to falling out. It is more likely for such a tooth to decay or become infected. It is difficult to eat with a broken tooth as well. Because dentists recognize the importance of emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease precautions, offices are following American Dental Association guidelines to protect patients who come in for treatments.

Treating broken teeth

Prompt attention is required for a fractured tooth. The faster a dentist can evaluate a patient with this condition, the more likely the person can avoid infections. The dentist will first take X-rays of the patient’s teeth to assess the extent of the damage. Then, the dentist will discuss treatment options with the person.

The dentist may use a filling or bonding to fix a small fracture. For larger breaks, the dentist may use a crown. This natural-looking artificial tooth covers the natural one, restoring the person’s ability to chew. If a front tooth suffers a break, the dentist can attach a porcelain veneer to it. This thin shell will be the same color and shape as the surrounding teeth.

The consequences of waiting

Patients who worry about emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease connections may decide to wait for dental treatment. Putting off a visit to the dentist’s office for a broken tooth can affect the person’s oral health and overall well-being. The tooth can be extremely painful and interfere with routine tasks. Also, an untreated infection can eventually spread throughout the entire body.

Emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease: make the right choice

If you break a tooth, know that your dentist is ready and willing to help. Even during these uncertain times of the coronavirus pandemic, your oral health matters. Call an emergency dentist near you right away if you break a tooth. The dentist will take your wellness seriously and will do everything possible to limit your COVID-19 exposure. Get the relief you need today.

Recent Posts

How A Dental Sealant Protects Teeth From Cavities

Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…

Adjusting To New Dentures: The Best Methods For Your New Smile

If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…

Recent Posts

How A Dental Sealant Protects Teeth From Cavities

How A Dental Sealant Protects Teeth From Cavities

Thinking about getting dental sealant treatment? Dental sealants are a vital tool for preventing cavities or tooth decay. Tooth decay is a prevalent condition among children and teenagers, and when unchecked, it can lead to other serious oral issues such as premature tooth loss and gum disease. In combination with other preventive care measures such…

Adjusting To New Dentures: The Best Methods For Your New Smile

Adjusting To New Dentures: The Best Methods For Your New Smile

If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start…