It is an unprecedented time in our world’s history. The world is suffering from a pandemic that has affected our way of life. However, mouth injuries and accidents are one part of our everyday life that has not changed.

A mouth injury can be as simple as biting your tongue, but an accident can be more severe, requiring a West Hollywood dentist. During COVID-19, a severe mouth injury or accident can cause you anxiety. With some education and guidance, you will know how to face a dental emergency during this pandemic.

This knowledge will help you remain calm and in control during the emergency. Research shows that education helps us to stay calm during an emergency. This fact is evident when looking at how paramedics and firefighters deal with emergencies.

When dealing with a dental emergency, it can sometimes be just as frightening as a medical emergency. With the following information, you will be ready to handle any dental emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, the CDC and ADA recommend postponing all elective procedures and surgeries until further notice. With this recommendation, you should seek dental services for emergencies only.

Reschedule Elective Procedures

If you scheduled specific procedures or surgeries before COVID-19, your West Hollywood dentist might ask you to reschedule the appointment for a later date. Regular x-rays, cleanings, exams, and braces exam are some of these procedures. If you scheduled tooth removal for a tooth that does not hurt, you might also have to reschedule.

If you have cavities that do not cause pain, Bruce Vafa DDS suggests that you reschedule your appointment. Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are also not completed at this time. At first, it may seem that you cannot see a dentist. However, dentists are still performing all emergency procedures.

Dental Emergencies

Some individuals may wonder what a dental emergency is. When asked by Bruce Vafa DDS, there are three common dental emergencies: losing teeth, tooth pain, and fractures.

When a permanent tooth is injured or knocked out, time is a significant factor. A West Hollywood dentist can possibly replant the tooth within a particular time frame. During COVID-19, you should immediately call and visit your dentist. You can put the tooth in milk or salt water to help preserve it.

Most people would say that tooth pain is not an emergency. However, if the pain is severe or uncomfortable, you should still call Bruce Vafa DDS and let him decide if it is an emergency or not. Over the counter pain, medicine, and rinsing with warm salt water can help with toothaches.

The last typical dental emergency is a broken or fractured jaw. An emergency room should handle this type of dental emergency. If you break your jaw, it will have swelling bruising most likely. You should apply a cold compress to help with swelling. You can also stabilize your jaw by tying a bandage from underneath your jaw to the top of your head.

These are three common dental emergencies, but you should call your dentist if you experience a variety of other dental emergencies. Even during COVID-19, West Hollywood dentists are still seeing patients for a variety of reasons.

One reason is for bleeding from gums that do not stop when pressure is applied. It is also essential to contact a dentist if you experience pain or swelling in or around your mouth. A gum infection causes pain and swelling, which can lead to tooth loss.

Some people had surgery before the new restrictions, so follow up care is beneficial. Some dentists will conduct an online appointment instead of having you come into an office, but you need to call your dentist to verify.

However, if you are experiencing any of the following issues, you should go directly to an ER:

• Cuts or lacerations of your face
• Any other cuts requiring stitches
• Broken or fractured bones
• Dislocated jaw or other joints
• Concussion
• Head injury

Even with education, every dental emergency is different, so you may still require a professional. If you are experiencing any of the above issues, call Dr. Vafa today for a complimentary dental evaluation.