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After spending a significant amount of time at home, many of us are beginning to question how to handle ongoing dental needs. Some are dealing with issues like painful wisdom teeth, incomplete root canals, implants, cavities, or sore teeth and gums. Others are concerned about the potential risks of delaying routine care, such as cleanings and x-rays.
To minimize the risk of transmission, the American Dental Association (ADA) advised all dental practices to close, except for emergencies, until at least April 30. It’s probable that dental offices will remain closed for an extended period.
“While it’s never ideal for patients to delay checkups or procedures that improve oral health, prioritizing public health means adhering to guidelines, encouraging good oral hygiene during the pandemic, and being thankful we can address urgent dental emergencies,” said Rick Mars, a general dentist and author of The Big Smile: The Principles of Modern Dentistry – for Dentists and Patients, in a statement.
A dental emergency necessitates prompt treatment
Since the situation is unlikely to resolve soon, it’s probable that the advisory will be extended, delaying routine dental visits for cleanings. So, what qualifies as a dental emergency?
The ADA describes a dental emergency as a condition that is “potentially life-threatening and requires immediate intervention to halt ongoing tissue bleeding or to relieve severe pain or infection.”
However, deciding whether a situation demands urgent care can be challenging, especially since visiting your dentist for an evaluation isn’t currently an option. To assist, the ADA has compiled a guide outlining what qualifies as a dental emergency versus procedures that can be postponed.
Dental emergencies include persistent bleeding, painful swelling in or around the mouth, tooth or jaw pain, gum infections with pain or swelling, broken or dislodged teeth, adjustments to braces causing discomfort, and biopsies of abnormal tissue.
In short, if you’re experiencing dental pain, contact your dentist to describe your symptoms and discuss your options. If you have a long-standing relationship with your dentist, they’ll likely know whether your situation is urgent or can wait.
Routine checkups should be postponed
According to the ADA’s guidelines, non-emergency procedures include routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, braces adjustments, painless tooth extractions, cavity treatments, and teeth whitening. These should be delayed for the safety of both patients and dental professionals.
As some states begin reopening, the ADA has issued additional recommendations, emphasizing that since COVID-19 tests aren’t readily available for dentists, they “should assume that even asymptomatic, healthy-looking patients may carry the virus.”
Until it’s safe to resume regular cleanings and x-rays, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to avoid the need for emergency dental care.
“Maintaining a consistent routine of brushing and flossing is crucial, particularly when regular dental checkups and cleanings aren’t possible,” Mars said.
