COVID-19 is affecting every aspect of our daily lives and with ongoing restrictions and increasing numbers of patients in the hospitals, it is no wonder that people are reluctant to visit the hospital for more routine healthcare appointments. The same is very much true of visits to the dentist. Yet, acute problems may arise unexpectedly, and dental accidents can always happen.
Your biannual check-up at the dentist is something that seems easy to put off. However, if you’ve noticed something unusual, an unnecessary delay can make matters worse. What might have been an easy fix early on can quickly deteriorate into a much bigger issue.
So, what to look out for? Early signals that your teeth and gums are in need of professional attention include:
In any of these situations, normal bacteria, ever-present in the mouth, can cause mayhem by getting into places they normally wouldn’t be able to reach. An infection around a loose tooth or crown, especially if it gets down to the root, will not only be incredibly painful but may need some serious dentistry - and possibly antibiotics - to resolve.
Consistent dental care is vital for good heart health and during pregnancy too, among other things. It really is important you go when you need to. As we have adapted to living with COVID-19 in our midst, dentists too have adapted to ‘the new normal’. High-quality clinics have taken all necessary precautions to ensure patient and staff safety while still providing top-quality dental care.
Many practices have enlarged their waiting areas to make sure patients can maintain social distancing and face masks are required. Generally, appointments are also easily rearranged should you develop COVID-like symptoms and not be able to attend at the original time.
The last reason to get to a dentist ASAP is, of course, a clear dental emergency. This could be:
Emergency dental care is available at many dental practices in the Netherlands. At some practices, you can book an emergency appointment even if you are not registered at the practice or do not (currently) have insurance and need to be seen ASAP. Please note that if you have a broken tooth, keep it cool and bring it with you to your appointment. If you are (currently) uninsured, or not permanently reside in the Netherlands make sure to have your ID and debit / credit card with you too.