The current pandemic has undoubtedly taken the world to a standstill, and the dental health sector has been affected. Coronavirus is spread through droplets of saliva from an infected person or contact on surfaces contaminated with the droplets. Any emergency dental care will have to be treated differently because you need to get the best treatment. Despite the challenges, this doesn't mean that you should not consult or visit the dentist in an emergency case. You certainly need to before the situation escalates. However, there are things you need to do to safeguard yourself and get the right care.
The article will guide you through things you need to do when you have emergency dental care needs. They include the following:
1. Wash hands
If you have an accident and you happen to get injured, make sure you first wash or sanitize your hand. You will be getting rid of any probability of the virus or any other pathogens on your hands and safely contact your mouth. While doing so, wash with clean running water and soap and rinse before you get to touch your mouth. Once you do so, have a close look at what has happened if you have a mirror or ask someone. They should also have clean hands and a mask on to prevent any droplets into your mouth.
2. How to hold the tooth
Injuries on your tooth can be quite painful. It would be best if you were quite cautious about how you hold your tooth if you were injured so that you do not inflict more pain on yourself. Hold the tooth by the crown, which is the biting area, and ensure you are doing so with clean hands. Please do not press it or try to shake because you may end up detaching it from the gum, which is the last thing you need. Try to spit out any blood before you hold in case your injury was intense and make sure you rinse after.
3. Contact the dentist
Any emergency dental injury or issue is nothing to neglect. You need to get checked as soon as you can. Contact your dentist or any dental care hospital or clinic that is near to schedule an urgent appointment. While doing so, make sure you state that its an emergency so that you get attended or booking as soon as you can. Book the nearest hospital so that if you need a pick-up, they will be there on time and ready to give you first aid.
4. Procedure
During this period, any emergency treatment needs to be done with the right dental procedure while minimizing the risk of infection. It would be best if you made sure that those attending to you have PPE gear on at all times and disinfect any equipment or dental aids that they will be using to handle your case. Do not hesitate to ask them to do so and get the care you deserve.
Final thoughts
For more on things, you need to do when you having emergency dental care, make sure to visit our offices or schedule an appointment. Stay safe and adhere to healthy guidelines by the WHO.