Since you’re stuck at home due to the coronavirus outbreak, you’ve decided to make the most of it by finally getting around to watching all the movies in your “to watch” list. You sit down with a bowl of delicious buttery popcorn and relax. All of a sudden, you accidentally bite down on a kernel and feel a throbbing pain in your tooth. You spit out the popcorn only to discover that a piece of your tooth has broken off! What should you do? Keep reading to learn how you should handle a dental emergency during the time of the coronavirus.
Call Your Dentist
First things first, you should always contact your dentist in the event of a dental emergency. If your emergency occurs during regular business hours, they should be able to see you on the same day. Even if your emergency happens when your dentist is closed, they should leave a number for an emergency hotline for you to call to find a dentist who is open.
Because of the coronavirus, virtually all elective dental procedures are canceled. The vast majority of dentists are only treating emergency patients for the foreseeable future. This means that, if you call with an emergency like a broken tooth, your dentist should have plenty of time in their schedule to see you that day.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not all dental problems warrant seeing emergency care. In the case of a completely knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache that distracts you from your daily life, or a serious injury to your mouth, you should absolutely contact your emergency dentist right away. Other situations, like a minorly chipped tooth, a dull toothache, or a lost crown or filling can wait a day or two for treatment. This means that if they occur on a Friday night, you can usually wait until Monday morning to call the dentist. Just be sure to avoid chewing with the problem tooth in the meantime.
What to Do in Common Dental Emergencies
Here’s how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies until you can reach your dentist’s office:
- Knocked-out tooth: If you can’t place the tooth back in its socket, keep it wet by storing it in your cheek pocket or a container of milk or saline solution.
- Broken tooth: Gather all the pieces and bring them to your appointment. Use an ice pack or over-the-counter pain pills to alleviate discomfort. Apply pressure with gauze or cloth to curb bleeding.
- Severe toothache: Floss and rinse with salt water to dislodge any trapped food that may be causing your pain. If that doesn’t work, apply a cold compress or take store-bought pain relievers.
If you are currently suffering through a dental emergency, there’s no need to worry. Call your dentist and let them know about your situation as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen has achieved Fellowship status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, as well as a Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry. His practice in Norman, OK is open for treating dental emergencies, and they are sanitized to meet all the latest CDC guidelines. If you are dealing with a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Carmen’s office at (405) 364-2200.