Emergency Dental Care and the COVID-19 Pandemic

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, every aspect of our lives has taken a drastic turn. And while many activities grind to a halt, health-related conditions don’t always follow the same strategy. Dental problems often occur at the most inopportune time, and our current situation amplifies that challenge.

The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines currently recommend that dentists suspend elective care and provide emergency and urgent care only. In addition, many states have mandated similar restrictions. As a result, many dentists and patients find themselves with unprecedented treatment restrictions.

GUIDELINE GOALS: Prevent the spread of COVID-19 AND preserve supplies of Personal Protective Equipment for hospital providers.

What Is Elective Care?

The easiest definition of elective care is dental care that you can reschedule for another time without developing pain or infection in the near future. This includes:

Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and x-rays
Removal of teeth that aren’t causing pain or swelling
Filling cavities that aren’t painful
Braces visits
Regular denture adjustments or relines
Crowns for asymptomatic broken teeth
Teeth whitening
Implant placement
Gum surgery for non-urgent issues

Other procedures may fall onto this list, and the restrictions could change weekly. Some states have even seen different restrictions implemented in different counties.

What Is Emergency Dental Care?

True dental emergencies are problems that are potentially life-threatening and need immediate attention. Time is of the essence in these cases:

Uncontrolled bleeding
Diffuse swelling spreading underneath the eye
Diffuse swelling spreading below the jawline into the neck
Swelling in the neck that’s creating difficulty breathing or swallowing
Trauma to the bones of the face that affect the airway
Fever accompanying these conditions

These conditions require immediate evaluation and treatment. If you’re unable to be seen by us or another dentist right away, an ER visit is warranted.

What Is Urgent Dental Care?

Urgent dental problems require immediate attention to treat severe pain and/or the risk of infection. Guidelines allow treatment of these problems:

Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
Swelling in your mouth or face
Tooth pain
Gum swelling with pain or swelling
Removal of stitches or dressings after surgery
Broken or knocked-out tooth from trauma
Denture adjustment in cancer treatment patients
Trimming or adjusting braces that are hurting gums
Dental care required before critical medical treatment
Placement of a final crown or bridge if the temporary is broken or irritating the gums