What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency

The question that seems to be lingering in a lot of people’s minds, while practicing social distancing and self-isolation is “what constitutes an emergency”.

Traditionally, any dental “situation” that causes pain would be considered a dental emergency.  This could be any of the following:

• Tooth ache
• Broken/chipped tooth
• Bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Facial swelling/trauma
• Lost filling

Our society has changed rapidly with the arrival of COVID-19.  We have changed the way we conduct ourselves, and how we fulfill our basic needs.  Many are avoiding visiting medical offices and hospitals to allow our frontline workers to focus their energy and attention on providing care for those who desperately need it. By this point, you’ve likely realized that your access to dental care is limited to essential and emergency care.

We have, up to this point, been encouraging you to be aware of your oral health, and to implement the best techniques to maintain the health of your teeth and gums – frequent brushing and daily flossing/waterpik™ use.   Good oral health, after all, is linked to good general health.

At this time, if you have a complaint of discomfort, question, or if there has been a change to your typical oral state, we ask that you call us at Lewis Estates Dental Centre. We can talk about your unique situation and if it’s apparent that you must be seen, we will schedule an appointment for you to have your concern addressed. If not, then there might be advice that we can give you to help in this difficult time.

Otherwise, you will be able to consult with Dr. Bains during a “teledentistry” appointment so that she can assess and recommend options for care that may help to address your concern without having you leave your residence.