Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

The health, wellbeing and safety of our patients, their families and our people are our priority and always will be.

As you are aware, the COVID-19 situation changes daily, and new information is always being released. The Government guidance for dentistry is no different – and is constantly being updated to reflect the latest situation to ensure people are kept safe and well.

In this regard, we have continued to cease our usual dental procedures during this time. We are still, however, providing services for those considered a dental emergency patient. It’s important to first understand whether the situation is an emergency or not. Issues such as a lost filling, dull toothache, mild sensitivity or a small chip in a tooth can all be treated at a later date.

Question #1: How do I know if I’m considered a dental emergency patient?

Answer #1: You are considered a dental emergency patient if you have the following:

A broken or knocked-out tooth – we recommend that you rinse the mouth with warm water to keep the area clean and put a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. Immediately contact our office.

Objects caught between teeth – we recommend that you gently try and remove the object with dental floss and we strongly recommend not to try and remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument. If you are not successful, contact our office.

Toothache that forces you to take pain medication (ibuprofen or tylenol) every four hours.

Lost or have broken a temporary or permanent crown or bridge causing irritation.

Question #2: Will I be safe to come to your office?

Answer #2: Yes, Procopio Towle Dental Office team is proactive in screening patients before initiating dental procedures including the following:

Disclosure of any recent traveling in the last month and presentation of any flu-like symptoms.

We will have limited team members and one patient at a time to allow for social distancing, as well as complete disinfection of the office between procedures. Our clinical team diligently wears personal-protective equipment (PPE) and has taken an extra step by wearing disposable attire – gowns, masks (N95), gloves, and shoe booties. We also provide shoe covers (or “booties”) for patient use when entering our office.

Our next blog will provide our extended protocol due to COVID-19.