Lower Your Risk of COVID-19: Go To an Emergency Dentist Instead of the ER!

Along with the guidelines to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis, the Centers For Disease Control have recommended that dental offices close for routine and elective procedures. However, rest assured that they’re still open for emergency care, so you don’t have to go a hospital for treatment. In this blog, you’ll find out why it’s so beneficial to call an emergency dentist in Chevy Chase instead of going to the ER. You’ll also get some great tips for handling common dental emergencies at home until you can be seen. Learn more below!

The Benefits of an Emergency Dentist vs. the Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Everyone is encouraged to avoid going to the hospital or ER right now unless absolutely necessary. Here’s why: 

• It lowers your risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• It keeps you from overrunning healthcare facilities that are already strained. 
• Emergency dentists are actually better prepared to treat dental emergencies because they have advanced specialty training, experience, and equipment.
• When you call a dentist in Chevy Chase at the first sign of pain or problems, they’ll give you specific first-aid tips to manage your pain until you can be seen. 
• They’ll also be able to advise you to seek out medical care if necessary. 

Exceptions That Require Medical Treatment 

Keep in mind that there are fairly uncommon types of dental emergencies that need medical attention first, including a broken or dislocated jaw, heavy bleeding, and severe cuts that require stitches. 

Tips For Managing Common Dental Emergencies Until You Can Get Treatment

• Toothache – Swish with lukewarm saltwater for 30 seconds (as often as needed for discomfort), apply a cold pack to the outside of your face in 15-minute increments, and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. 
• Knocked-out tooth – Holding the tooth by the crown, not the root, give it a rinse. Adults can then try putting it back in its socket. If that isn’t an option, put it in a glass of milk or hold it in your cheek pouch. Remember that you must keep the tooth moist.
• A chipped or broken tooth – Use dental wax (from the drugstore) to cover any sharp edges and use over-the-counter pain medication as directed.  

Dental emergencies are stressful, and perhaps even more so during the COVID-19 crisis. By calling an emergency dentist first, you’ll get specialized care, avoid exposure at the hospital, and also conserve critical medical supplies.

About the Author 

As a dedicated general and emergency dentist in Chevy Chase, Dr. Ronan Freyne continues to make his patients’ well-being a top priority during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to being open for emergencies, he’s also available over the phone whenever his patients need him most. If you’re having a dental emergency or have any questions, you can contact him via his website.