Emergency Dentistry and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: How to Determine If a Chipped Tooth Is not a Dental Emergency

There is a lot of news regarding emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease these days. As the coronavirus continues to infect people around the globe, your dentist is concerned about your well-being. Most offices are not doing elective, non-emergency procedures right now. However, you can still make an appointment for urgent needs. If you have a chipped tooth, talk to your dentist about your options.
The challenges with emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease
Since the coronavirus began in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, it has spread to most countries, infecting more than 1.5 million people. To slow this wave, officials have required many businesses and services to shut down so that people can stay home. Dental offices remain open, though people will not have wellness checkups or cosmetic procedures during these restrictions. These measures attempt to limit the number of people in a dental office and to help promote stay-at-home directives. Emergency care is still open to people of all ages.
Causes of a chipped tooth
Teeth are made of the strongest materials in the body. A tooth can withstand years of wear and tear. This does not mean teeth are indestructible. Accidents or injuries can chip a tooth. These often occur due to a hard blow to the face or when a person bites into something hard. Contact sports and falls can also cause this issue. Sometimes, poor oral health leads to chips or cracks in teeth. A lack of brushing can weaken the enamel, making the tooth more susceptible to damage.
Consequences of a chipped tooth
One of the biggest concerns a person will have with a chipped tooth is what it looks like. This blemish stands out and can be embarrassing. Chipped teeth can hinder a smile and the person’s appearance. It also may be more difficult to eat, as certain foods could turn a chip into a fracture. Chipped teeth could also invite infection or decay into the area.
When it is an emergency
Patients will consider emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease when the chipped tooth becomes painful. A severe toothache is a common sign of decay or an abscessed tooth. If a dentist does not treat these issues quickly, they can affect other teeth or even the entire mouth. Eventually, an infection could spread to the face, neck and other areas of the body. If the pain is impacting the patient’s daily life, it is time to make an appointment. If the chipped tooth is only a cosmetic concern, the patient will not need emergency help.
A difficult decision
No one wants a chipped tooth to ruin a smile. If you have this issue right now, decide whether you need to go to the dentist right away. Because of emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease concerns, you should not make an appointment unless the pain is becoming unbearable or making it difficult to eat. Your dentist can also help determine whether you need prompt attention. Though you may not like this blemish in your mouth, waiting for care might be the right decision.
Request an appointment here: https://www.myddsny.com or call Inna Goykman-Amir DDS at (718) 416-6364 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
Vital reasons to find a dentist include maintaining clean and healthy teeth and establishing a lasting bond that promotes well-being, self-assurance, and comfort. Whether you are new to the area or long overdue for a cleaning, every appointment becomes simpler and more beneficial when you choose a general dentist who suits your needs.General dentists are…
A dental crown's longevity depends on material strength, bonding quality, and diligent home care, yet even a precisely fitted restoration eventually reveals clues of fatigue. Recognizing subtle warnings in the earliest stage prevents painful complications and safeguards the surrounding oral structure. Note that eventually, all dental crowns will need to be replaced. However, reviewing the…
Unsure how to find a dentist in case of a dental emergency? Read on to learn more. When you are experiencing an urgent dental issue, getting help as soon as possible is important. Not only does it improve your potential outcome, but it also helps to alleviate pain, worry, and other possible issues, such as…
Dental crowns are a widely used tooth restoration solution in general dentistry. However, it is common to have questions about crowns if it is your first time getting one. Exploring the answers to these questions is the first step in helping you prepare for an upcoming dental crown appointment.Dental crowns are caps that fully encase…