Have you ever had a nagging toothache bother you for days then suddenly disappear? Although you may not know what originally caused your oral problem, you may be thinking if the pain is gone, there’s no need to keep that emergency appointment with your dentist. Unfortunately, this mindset can leave you dealing with severe consequences if you’re not careful. Read on to find out why you’re better off erring on the side of caution and letting a dentist examine your smile even when pain is no longer present.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Your Dental Visit
If the toothache originated simply because of something lodged between your teeth, there is a good chance that once it is removed, you will no longer need to see your dentist for additional treatment, especially if the pain subsides and does not return. However, if it has nothing to do with a lodged object, and the pain no longer exists, you should still plan to see your dentist, and here’s why:
There is a chance the original reason for your toothache is still present, just no longer causing you to be in pain. If an infection exists beneath the surface, discomfort is only one of many symptoms that can manifest itself. Should the bacteria developing inside your tooth reach the innermost layer, the pulp, you could be faced with a serious problem, requiring a root canal or tooth extraction depending on the severity.
Keeping Your Appointment Even Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak
If you’re thinking to yourself, “Okay, but why risk the possibility of contracting COVID-19 if there’s no more pain,” you will benefit far more by seeing your dental professional amid the current outbreak than putting it off until later.
No matter if it’s a toothache, regular dental checkup and cleaning, or an elective procedure, putting off your appointment until COVID-19 is no longer a threat can result in lots of time and money spent trying to fix various problems that could have easily been prevented.
Your dentist understands your concern and is going above and beyond to implement certain health and safety protocols to keep everyone better protected against harmful bacteria and viruses. Knowing what steps they are taking as well as what you can do at home to maintain optimal oral health are key factors in ensuring a successful dental appointment during this time.
If you’re worried about your health and whether it is safe to return to your dentist’s office, you can always speak to a member of your dental team and voice your concerns. Not only will they work to identify a time that is most convenient for you, but they will take great care to ensure both patients and staff are healthy at the time of arrival.
Putting off your dental needs can only lead to serious problems in the future. It’s better to let your dentist examine your smile for potential issues and discover nothing than to cancel your appointment and learn you need a complex procedure because of neglect. Making your oral health a priority will allow you to maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington understands the uncertainty that comes with returning to the dentist’s office during this difficult time. However, with additional safety protocols in place, he and his team at Cowlitz River Dental are prepared and ready to take care of your smile in a healthy and fully sanitized environment. Not only does he not want you to forgo a regular dental checkup and cleaning because of the possible dental problems that can arise later on, but he also wants to ensure you avoid developing other health-related conditions that can be caused by oral health neglect. If you would like to know more about what steps Dr. Kennington is taking to keep everyone safe, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.