These days, instead of waking up early to get to work and the kids to school on time, you connect your children to their teachers via video conferencing and work at the kitchen table. In a matter of weeks, life has changed dramatically, and you’ve become more conscious about washing your hands frequently and staying at least six feet away from others. Right now, most businesses, offices, stores, and community resources are closed due to the COVID-19 threat, and because of the high likelihood of contact with oral droplets, dental practices have had to close their doors as well.
Right now, you may feel isolated and stranded, but the truth is that you aren’t left to fend for yourself completely. Help is available if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, but what exactly constitutes a dental emergency? How do you know when you need to seek the aid of an emergency dentist in Lincoln? Read on to find out!
What Is a Dental Emergency
During this time of crisis, dental emergency refers to a situation where you require immediate assistance, especially if you are experiencing more than just a little discomfort. This includes:
- Severe tooth pain
- Chipped or cracked tooth with sensitivity or pain
- Knocked-out or partially knocked-out tooth from an injury
- Lost restoration
- Abscess in the gum tissue
- Irritation or pain in the gums
- Complications or an infection after a dental procedure
If you face any of these circumstances, you need to contact your dentist in Lincoln right away so that they can resolve the problem, most likely on the same day as your initial phone call. Although their office may be closed, your team is still there to lend a helping hand in a pinch and relieve your pain.
What Is Not a Dental Emergency
Here are some indications that your situation is not a dental emergency and can wait until after the shelter in place mandate has been lifted:
- Routine checkup and cleaning
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Aesthetic chips or cracks that do not cause pain or sensitivity
- Asymptomatic cavities.
Although addressing these issues is important, they can wait until the threat of COVID-19 has subsided down the road.
It’ll take time for life to return to a normal routine, but if we all do our part by staying home, we’ll hopefully slow the spread of the virus and keep more people healthy. While your dentist may not be available for non-essential services right now, you know you can rely on them if the worst should happen to your smile. In the interim, continue to take care of your teeth through thorough daily hygiene, and you’ll be more likely to avoid a dental emergency.
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental has six locations throughout the Lincoln area and eight highly trained dentists on staff. We do our best to offer same-day appointments for those who have dental emergencies. In fact, when you call (402) 420-2222, we’re sure to get back to you within 24 hours to resolve the problem. If you have a dental emergency, or are unsure if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help however we can during this time.