Dental emergencies come when you least expect them, and when they’re least convenient. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all had to learn to roll with the punches a little more. Virginia governor Ralph Northam issued an order that health practices, including dentists and orthodontists, are not to see patients unless performing emergency services. This mandated closure affects all of us and, as not all dental issues are considered an emergency, that makes it difficult for us to do anything about it.
Because of Governor Northam’s order, we are legally required to turn away any patient who isn’t experiencing an emergency. Failure to do so on our part would have some serious consequences. While not everything is an emergency, it’s important to know what is an emergency.
Generally, a dental problem that requires emergency dental treatment would involve action to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. This consideration also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening. During this mandated closure, we can still see patients for emergencies.
However, not every dental situation should be considered an emergency. Understanding the difference between a real dental emergency and a non-critical dental issue is essential.
Here’s what you should know about recognizing dental emergencies.
6 Signs That Need Emergency Dental Care
Some of the possible causes and symptoms of gum disease include:
1. Dental abscess
An abscessed tooth can be an excruciatingly painful infection and can be caused by:
- Severe gum disease
- A cavity left untreated
- Trauma, such as a chipped tooth
Swollen glands, a foul taste in your mouth, and fever are all symptoms of an abscessed tooth — seek treatment immediately. Rinse with warm water; a cold compress applied to your face will help reduce swelling. An abscessed tooth may require surgery to drain the infection; your dentist may treat it with antibiotics.
2. Severe toothache
If your tooth pain has increased to such a critical level of constant pain, you should seek immediate emergency dental care. There is no reason to suffer needlessly.
3. Loose Teeth
Loose teeth in adulthood are not typical and can be indicators of other issues, including:
- a tooth injury (from sports or other accident)
- localized infection
- gum disease
- dental caries
4. Swollen jaw
A swollen jaw can indicate a sign of salivary gland infection, a bacterial infection caused by a blockage in your salivary glands. Your saliva breaks down food and rids your mouth of bacteria.
5. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can indicate signs of gingivitis or early signs of other gum diseases. Excessive or recurring bleeding, swelling, or aching gums need immediate attention. Because periodontal disease occurs in stages, the more advanced the condition, the less chance of restoring your teeth to their healthy state.
If you are experiencing a swollen jaw, along with a bad taste in your mouth, trouble breathing, fever, or swallowing, seek emergency dental assistance immediately.
6. Tooth Numbness
Losing total feeling in an aching tooth is never a good sign. Infection or abscess may have spread to the root of the tooth; pay close attention to these signs that can indicate a significant dental issue that needs emergency care.
Non-Emergency Dental Situations
Emergency dental visits may be necessary for more than a toothache. Any sudden, significant changes could be a sign of a more critical issue at hand. In many situations, rinsing with warm water and applying cold compresses along with some OTC pain relievers can tide you over until you get in to see your dentist.
Sometimes dental issues that seem emergent can wait a couple of days, for example:
- A chipped tooth that is not painful
- Pain is subdued with over-the-counter pain relievers
- No visible signs of an abscess
- Lost crown? Denture adhesive can hold the crown in place temporarily — no super glue!
How to Avoid Potential Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies are preventable. However, the best way to mitigate dental emergencies is to remain vigilant in your oral hygiene—and by keeping all your dental appointments. At Commonwealth Prosthodontics, we are only able to treat dental emergencies at this time and until further notice. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, we will be back at it with all of our regular services. We appreciate your patience as we all work through this mandated closure together. But, should you have an emergency, give us a call at 804-346-3366. We are happy to help!
