Emergency Dentistry and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?

Thinking you are in need of emergency dentistry and the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease is forcing you to stay home? Many people who are in need of dental care wonder what they need to do, as the current COVID-19 crisis has temporarily changed all the rules. One of the more common reasons that someone would be in need of emergency dental services is because they are experiencing tooth pain.
When someone experiences dental pain, is it an emergency?
Understanding what falls under emergency dentistry services during the COVID-19 crisis is something everyone needs to do. It is important to know when dental pain requires a trip to an emergency dental office. According to the American Dental Association, only concentrating on emergency and urgent dental care during this period will allow dentists and their teams to care for emergency patients and reduce the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments.
Common types of tooth pain
Minor tooth pain that tends to subside within 24 hours is often not considered to be a dental emergency, while ongoing or severe pain need to be treated by an emergency dentist. The list below includes common reasons that someone would experience a level of tooth pain that requires emergency dental care.
A broken tooth
While not every broken tooth situation is painful, most people will experience some degree of pain when they experience a broken tooth. A minor chip in a tooth can often wait to be treated by a dental professional, while any type of crack or fracture in a tooth is a dental emergency. According to Healthline, if left untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, risking infection or abscess.
Swelling
Many times those who experience any type of swelling in their mouth or along their jawline do not know the reason for the swelling, which may include various levels of pain. One of the more common reasons is due to having a gum or tooth infection, which can potentially lead to a more severe mouth infection. Since mouth infections do not go away on their own, it is essential for anyone who is experiencing swelling accompanied by pain to seek emergency dental care.
A toothache
When someone experiences a toothache, they may experience minor pain or severe pain, it just depends on their particular situation. Because a toothache can be an indicator of a bigger dental problem, those who are experiencing any swelling, sharp pain, pain that includes pressure or an overall bad taste in their mouth, it is time to make an appointment with an emergency dentist.
Emergency dentistry and the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease: Dealing with tooth pain
When it comes to emergency dentistry and the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, the fact that emergency dentistry services are available during this time means that anyone who is living with dental pain can feel confident that they will receive the treatment they need. Whether you are experiencing one of the above more common types of tooth problems that cause dental pain or are experiencing dental-related pain for another reason, reaching out for help is your next step.
Request an appointment here: https://www.uniquefamilydentistry.com or call Unique Family Dentistry at (908) 772-8640 for an appointment in our Linden office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Whether you have not visited the dentist in a long time, have never been, or are simply switching general dentists, it is normal to have questions on your mind. Patients often want to ask about their current oral health, such as whether they need to be worried about cavities or persistent tooth sensitivity. They may…
General dentists' primary aim is to ensure optimal oral health, meaning the entire mouth. Therefore, they recommend various services to ensure the longevity of your natural teeth and surrounding structures. Take a look at the five preventative services we offer.Routine evaluations are recommended for all individuals, regardless of age. The American Dental Association, or ADA,…
Many people would shiver at the thought of wisdom teeth removal, probably because of the rumors they have heard about the procedure. But not to worry; wisdom teeth removal is a simple and easy process. Since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt later in life, many people do not have enough information to determine…
While tooth pain can vary in severity and sensation, general dentists can determine the source, provide treatment, and ensure the patient has everything they need to maintain their oral health. The causes of tooth pain can vary and often result in patients trying to treat it by themselves. However, when the pain is consistent, the…