For most people, the best place to receive emergency help is the local ER. It makes sense Why Should I Avoid the ER Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic? hat a serious injury or accident would be treated in a location that is designed to care for individuals in critical need; however, with the outbreak of COVID-19, is it really the best place to go and get help? If you’re wondering whether you should skip seeing your emergency dentist and instead go straight to the ER, learn why that isn’t the best idea and why your local dental professional can better care for your needs.
Am I Dealing with a Real Emergency?
If COVID-19 were not a concern right now, your emergency dentist would be able to take care of any oral accident or injury you incur. However, because many of the most common problems can be temporarily treated at home, many dentists are choosing to only see those with severe, time-sensitive problems, some of which include:
- Extreme tooth pain that is due to an infection/abscess
- A knocked-out tooth that requires immediate help to save
If you are not experiencing either of the above-mentioned situations, please go ahead and call your emergency dental office. Their staff will available to provide detailed instructions and tips on how to take care of your situation at home and schedule an appointment for a later date.
Why Shouldn’t I Visit the ER?
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that causes respiratory illness. Individuals who are coughing, have a fever, and experience difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention. Because of the global outbreak of COVID-19, also referred to as coronavirus, hospitals are overrun with patients experiencing symptoms associated with the virus.
If you are contemplating the notion of visiting your local ER for help with your dental emergency, consider the following:
- You will be putting yourself at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. With many hospitals filled with sick patients, you will essentially be in the center of a hotbed for the virus.
- Doctors and nurses are far too busy caring for those who are extremely ill as a result of the infection.
- You will wait long hours in a lobby for a general doctor to examine your problem. This leaves you in pain for a longer span of time.
- Many dental offices are still open for individuals with dental emergencies, so it may be possible to get treatment quicker by seeing your dentist.
Your local dental professional is the best person to care for your needs during this time. Avoiding the ER will free up another person’s chance to receive help, especially if they are suffering from COVID-19. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to call your dental office and speak to a member of their team.
About the Author
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya completed his bachelor’s degree in dental surgery from the
Government Dental College and Hospital in Ahmedabad, India. Moving to the
United States, he attended New York University and graduated with a Doctor of
Dental Surgery degree. After finishing his studies, he left for Connecticut and
practiced family dentistry before finally settling in Texas. He and the team at
Prime Dentistry may only be able to treat emergency patients at this time, but
they are committed to ensuring your oral health remains in the best shape possible.
If you or a loved one need immediate dental care, don’t be afraid to contact us
via our website
or by calling (940) 514-0333. We are here to help.
