With the spread of the coronavirus, many dental offices are closed. Some continue to receive emergency patients, while others have shut down entirely. The concern with receiving dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic is that dentists and their staff work in extremely close proximity to patients, with small droplets that could potentially carry the virus (aerosols) in the air. This poses a risk for the patients, the staff, and the dentist.
But how can you know what constitutes a true dental emergency? These days, it's a good idea to ask get a dental diagnosis online before deciding if you need to go in to see your dentist. While x-rays can help with diagnosis, even by describing your symptoms, a qualified dental professional can help you understand what the problem is, what care you need, and how urgently you need it.
If you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or other extreme symptoms, it may be a situation that requires emergency care.
Contact us for an emergency consult if you're experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Swelling
Severe pain
Broken teeth
Lost or broken crowns
Loose teeth
Once you know if you're dealing with a true emergency, you can make a decision about where and how to treat it. Remember, if you do need to go into a dental office, go alone if you can, and wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you.