How Do You Know If You’re Having a Dental Emergency?

During COVID-19, you’re probably doing all you can to stay at home and safe. After all, this is the best way to not only prevent your exposure, but also to minimize the virus’ spread. However, a serious dental problem does require a visit to your emergency dentist in Melbourne. That’s why it’s vital that you’re able to recognize when you’re having a true emergency. Keep reading to learn more about dental emergencies and your next steps if one should occur during this uncertain time.

How Do You Know if You’re Having a Dental Emergency?

Have you ever had some pain in your mouth only to find it was a pesky popcorn kernel stuck in between your teeth? With dental discomfort fairly common, how can you tell what a true emergency is? The easiest way to know is to floss around the area and rinse your mouth. If you’re still experiencing persistent pain that takes your focus away from normal tasks, contact your dentist immediately—you probably have a tooth infection that requires a root canal. Other examples of emergencies include, broken teeth, loosened teeth, lost teeth, lost crowns, and other sudden dental injuries. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to call your dentist to be safe!

Visit Your Dentist Instead of the ER

Your dentist in Melbourne has all of the emergency dentistry treatments you need at the same location. Plus, they simply know your smile better than the average doctor, which is why it’s a good idea to see your dentist instead of the ER. However, especially during the Coronavirus, your dentist is much safer. Urgent care units could have potential cases of COVID-19 and much higher foot traffic than your dentist’s office. Instead, you can get care in an incredibly clean and sanitized environment that has experienced far less patients than other medical facilities.

When a Trip to the ER is Necessary

There are some emergencies that do require an immediate ER visit. Uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth, jaw injury, any problems with breathing, deep facial wounds, and other life-threatening issues should be treated at an urgent care facility. These problems may require general medical attention, and you shouldn’t waste any time getting to the ER. It’s important to note that in some cases, dental infection can affect breathing, which should still be treated at the ER because it could impact your overall wellbeing.

Use this information during COVID-19 so you can keep your smile healthy and safe. Plus, you’ll know exactly what to do if an issue does occur!

About the Practice

At Dental Excellence Melbourne, we have a team of 3 dentists who combine their knowledge and training to provide high-quality dentistry. While they are currently closed to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, they are ready to treat dental emergencies and get you out of pain. For any questions, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (321) 255-0199.