Are you experiencing a dental emergency during Covid-19?
While Covid-19 has caused some sudden changes in many areas, there are some things that will remain the same such as the need for emergency dental care services.
But what does a dental visit look like when there is a global; pandemic occurring?
What are the symptoms of your dental concern?
If you are concerned that you might be experiencing a dental emergency the first step is to contact your dentist, even if there is a pandemic happening. If you’re experiencing any of the following, call us right away:
- Chipped, broken or knocked out tooth
- Toothache that you cannot remedy yourself with over-the-counter pain medication
- Severe swelling on your face, neck or mouth
- Ulcers in your mouth
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Sore or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Teething
The Health Guidelines During Covid-19
While we will offer the same care as we did before, our office and team may be now using special protocols and clothing in order to protect both ourselves and our patients. If you have a dental emergency, you can rest assured that we are equipped to manage it safely. Learn more about our COVID-19 protocols here.
What should you do if you are having a dental emergency?
By now, we’re all familiar with social distancing and pandemic safety rules, but how does that translate to the dentist’s office? Here are a few actions you can take:
Call us as soon as you have a concern. Don’t hesitate to call if you are experiencing a dental emergency. We can provide advice over the phone and get you in as soon as possible. Bookmark this post, or type "dentist near me" into your favourite search engine and our information will likely pop up.
Apply ice to the affected area. Hold an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area.
Find your tooth if you lost it. If you’ve lost a tooth, try to locate it and rinse it with water. Hold the tooth in the socket it fell out of, or place it in a container of milk. Your dentist may be able to attach it.
Answer our screening questions truthfully. When you contact our office, your dentist or their staff will ask you pre-screening questions to learn whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you do, we can refer you to another office or make alternate arrangements.
Wear a face mask and apply hand sanitizer upon entry. Wearing a face mask and using 70 to 90 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entering or leaving the building are two precautions to take.
Respect social distancing guidelines. We will get you an appointment as soon as possible. If you do need to wait in the waiting room, you’ll find chairs spaced 2 metres apart. There will be no magazines or other non-essential items as we try to reduce the number of touchable surfaces.
Your dentist will also be wearing protective gear. In addition to surgical face masks, your dentist and their staff will wear personal protective equipment during in-person appointments.
Do not bring anyone with you to your appointment. Plan to attend your appointment alone (exceptions are made for children or people who require assistance).
Pay via touchless payment. Plan to pay any balance owing on your appointment with your credit card or debit card.
