The current state of affairs caused by pandemic disease is still unpredictable, and the regulations are continually changing worldwide.
When the outbreak started, dentists were considered one of the highest-risk professionals due to the aerosol generated by dental procedures. Therefore, the safety & sanitation protocols have become stricter, and the operations allowed during quarantine in certain countries were reduced to only the most urgent treatments.
However, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which collected data in June 2020, found out that only less than 1 percent of dentists were positive for the coronavirus test.
Nevertheless, most countries are still facing challenges and administering this unique situation with their own regulations, so we can’t provide a list of dental emergencies that is universally agreed upon in each of our readers’ countries.Â
What we can give you is a list of dental emergencies that would normally require immediate or early medical attention.
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What is considered dental emergencies during Covid-19Â outbreak?
If you’re experiencing any of these examples, don’t hesitate to contact your local dental practice:
- Persistent severe pain
- Broken or knocked-out tooth
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Mouth ulcers
- Broken braces that hit the gums
Depending on the incidence of the pandemic outbreak in your country, you may have to postpone more mild or aesthetic treatments like:
- Tartar removal
- Mild gingivitis or gum disease
- Slight or temporary pain
- Thermal sensitivity
- Teeth whitening
The overall health, well-being, and safety of our patients and their families, as well as the medical staff, remain the top priority for all of us as medical professionals.
These are just guidelines to help people understand what might be a dental emergency, to not underestimate the condition you might be experiencing.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your local practice, who can offer you telephone support and advice on what actions to take.
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About The Author:
Dr. Giovanni Mazzei was born in Cosenza, but grew up and studied in Rossano Calabria. He was a Lecturer for the Hospital Medical School in Surgery of Oral Lesions. He holds the Certificate of Training in Management of Complex Dental Cases established by the Saint George Institute of Chicago.
