It’s safe to say that 2020 is a year we will never forget. As the world struggles to deal with COVID-19, which is also referred to as coronavirus, the “new normal” is encouraging people who are not sick to stay at home and only go out for “necessities,” and those who are sick to self-quarantine. So, what should you do if you experience a dental emergency but are sick with COVID-19 and cannot leave the house? Let a dentist explain how you can treat your problem at home until it’s safe for you to leave home for professional care.
How to Treat Your Injury at Home While in Quarantine
If you have contracted COVID-19, health officials suggest that you should self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, as symptoms can show up anywhere between 2 and 14 days after being exposed. Even if you are okay with the idea of staying at home for two weeks, you might suddenly panic if you experience a dental emergency and realize you can’t leave your house. So, what do you do?
Even though you can’t leave to go see an emergency dentist, you can make a phone call. By calling your local dental team, they can evaluate your situation over the phone and offer proper at-home tips and remedies to help you through the current situation.
Some useful treatments to remember include:
- Using dental floss to remove a lodged object between your teeth to relieve tooth pain
- Using a cold compress on an area that feels painful or is experiencing discomfort (i.e. chipped tooth, toothache, soft tissue injury)
- A dental adhesive or cement can be beneficial in temporarily fixing a lost crown or filling
- Dental wax can be used to cover a jagged tooth to prevent soft tissue damage (i.e. chipped or broken tooth)
- Saltwater rinses are great for treating infected areas of the mouth (i.e. abscess)
When to Seek Treatment by an Emergency Dentist
Most dental emergencies can be treated at home and often require scheduling an appointment for a later date. Unfortunately, if you are in quarantine, you’ll have to schedule a visit to see your emergency dentist after you’ve been cleared to leave your home. Dental offices throughout the country are closed and not providing normal services, but they are continuing to see those in need of help for an emergency.
The reason for this is to prevent an influx of patients at local emergency rooms. With doctors and medical professionals busy treating patients with coronavirus, dentists must continue to see dental emergency patients only.
Although this is a time of uncertainty, you can trust that your dentist and dental team want to provide you with as many tools and tips possible to maintain your oral health at home, especially if you are forced to self-quarantine. Don’t be afraid to call and talk to a member of the staff. Their expertise and recommendations can help you achieve the relief you need during this difficult time.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Chaffee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1975 before going on to spend two years in a Progressive Orthodontics Program. Practicing dentistry for more than 40 years, he enjoys helping people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. But as an emergency dentist, he understands the importance and timeliness of treating serious problems quickly. Although most dentists are currently only seeing emergency patients because of COVID-19, he and his team are ready to answer your call should you believe you are experiencing a dental crisis. Visit our website or call (805) 480-0033 to let us help you in your time of need.