During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be confusing to determine what constitutes a dental emergency. Bupa Dental Care is here to provide clarity and guidance on the matter. While many dental practices are now open for face-to-face care, emergency appointments and cases with the highest need are being prioritized. To help individuals determine if their dental issue is an emergency, Bupa Dental Care has outlined three categories: non-emergency, dental emergency, and accident and emergency. By understanding the symptoms associated with each category, individuals can take the appropriate steps to address their dental needs during these challenging times.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency during COVID-19?
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of our lives, including access to dental care. Many dental practices have had to prioritize emergency appointments and limit face-to-face care to ensure the safety of patients and staff. But what exactly constitutes a dental emergency during this time?
Non-emergency
Not all dental issues require immediate attention or a visit to the dentist. Some problems can be managed at home or discussed with your regular dental practice. Here are some examples of non-emergency dental issues:
- Minor toothache: If you’re experiencing a mild, intermittent toothache or a dull aching pain, you may be able to alleviate the discomfort at home or consult your dentist for advice.
- Pain in wisdom teeth: If your wisdom teeth are causing mild pain without any swelling or restricted mouth opening, you can discuss the issue with your dentist and follow their guidance.
- Sensitive teeth: Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is a common issue that can often be managed with over-the-counter toothpaste or by adjusting your oral hygiene routine.
- Sensitive or bleeding gums: Mild gum sensitivity or occasional bleeding during brushing can usually be addressed through improved oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.
- Sharp pain when biting down: If you experience brief, sharp pain when biting down on food, it may be due to a minor dental issue that can be managed with self-care or advice from your dentist.
- Mouth ulcers: Small mouth ulcers that have been present for less than 10 days can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies.
- Orthodontic pain or problems: If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances and experience minor discomfort or issues, you can contact your orthodontist for guidance.
- Broken or chipped tooth: If you have a minor dental fracture or chip that does not cause pain or damage to surrounding tissues, it can generally be addressed at a later date.
- Loose or missing crown or veneer: While it’s best to consult your dentist about loose or missing dental restorations, this issue may not require immediate attention if it’s not causing discomfort or affecting oral function.
- Discomfort from dentures: If your dentures are causing mild discomfort or irritation, you can try adjusting them at home or seek advice from your dentist.
For minor dental pain, it’s always helpful to follow self-help advice on relieving common dental pain at home. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, it’s best to consult your dentist for guidance.
Dental emergency
Certain dental issues require prompt attention and should be considered emergencies. If you experience any of the following problems, it’s crucial to contact a local dental practice as soon as possible:
- Swelling of gum, cheek, or face: If you have swelling that is spreading rapidly, particularly if it affects your vision, breathing, ability to swallow, or mouth opening, you must mention this when you contact a dental practice.
- Excruciating pain: Severe dental pain that interferes with your sleep or ability to concentrate should not be ignored. Prompt attention is necessary to alleviate the pain and address the underlying cause.
- Non-healing mouth ulcers: If mouth ulcers persist for more than two weeks without any signs of improvement, they should be examined by a dentist to rule out any underlying concerns.
- Bleeding after tooth extraction: While it’s normal to experience some bleeding after a tooth extraction, prolonged bleeding that lasts more than 20 minutes and cannot be stopped with pressure should be addressed immediately.
- Worsening pain after self-help advice: If you’ve followed self-help advice for a dental issue but the pain is getting worse, it may indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate attention.
- Broken tooth causing pain and damage: If you have a broken tooth that is causing significant pain and has resulted in damage to your cheek or tongue, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth has been completely knocked out, quick action can sometimes save the tooth. Contact a dental practice immediately for advice on how to handle the situation.
- Controlled bleeding due to facial trauma: If you have experienced facial trauma resulting in controlled bleeding from your mouth, it’s essential to seek urgent dental care to assess the extent of the injury and prevent further complications.
In these cases, it’s crucial to contact a dental practice offering phone support so they can provide further advice. If warranted, they will direct you to an appropriate support location for urgent care. It’s important not to ignore or delay treatment in dental emergencies to avoid potential complications or worsening of symptoms.
Accident and emergency
In certain situations, a dental issue may warrant a visit to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of a hospital. The following symptoms require immediate attention and should not be taken lightly:
- Facial swelling affecting vision, breathing, swallowing, or mouth opening: If facial swelling is severe and impairs any of these functions, it may be an indication of a serious underlying problem that requires emergency medical attention.
- Trauma causing loss of consciousness, double vision, or vomiting: Head or facial trauma resulting in loss of consciousness, changes in vision, or vomiting is a medical emergency and should be evaluated by healthcare professionals immediately.
- Rapid and uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth: If you experience profuse bleeding from the mouth that is difficult to control, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications.
In such situations, it is crucial to go to your local A&E department as soon as possible for immediate care. These symptoms are considered extremely serious and may be potentially life-threatening.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to keep in mind that dental practices may have different protocols and operating hours. It is advisable to contact your local dental practice for guidance and information on their current availability and appointment procedures. The health and safety of patients, their families, and dental staff remain the top priority during these unprecedented times.
