Show We’re delighted that most of our dental practices across the UK are now open for different levels of face-to-face care. At the present time, we’re prioritising emergency appointments and those with the greatest need. We’ve created some guidance on how to tell if you’re suffering from a dental emergency and what to do next. Watch our video where Stephen Barter, an oral surgeon at Bupa Dental Care, outlines what to do if you think you have a dental emergency. Alternatively, you can find the dental problem you have in one of the three categories below, which will outline the next steps you need to take.
Non-emergency:If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms you can potentially treat the problem at home, or talk to your usual dental practice:
Dental emergency:Contact a local practice as soon as possible if you have:
These symptoms require you to contact a local practice offering phone support, so they can provide further advice. If they think you require urgent care, they can direct you to an appropriate support location. Find your local Bupa Dental Care practice. Accident and emergency:Go straight to A&E if you have:
These symptoms are extremely serious and could be life-threatening. Go to your local A&E department as soon as possible for immediate care. The health, wellbeing and safety of our patients, their families and our people remain our top priority at Bupa Dental Care. We’d like to thank our patients for their understanding during the COVID-19 situation. Once it is safe for our practices to re-open we encourage you to get in touch and book an appointment. The latest status of our practices can be found at: COVID-19 Notice. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, find and contact your local practice who can offer telephone support and advice to patients with urgent need. They can also direct you to the most appropriate support location if further care is needed. Just like other important parts of the body, the mouth is subject to accidents. Sometimes the injury can be as minor as biting your tongue. Other times, the injury is more serious and requires professional care. By educating ourselves on how to handle a dental emergency, we can remain calm and in control. Research shows that, when in an emergency, education helps us remain calm. Dental emergencies can be just as frightening as medical emergencies. Learn what a dental emergency is and how to handle it during a pandemic. Pain and stress can cause trouble thinking clearly. Educate yourself before you’re in the midst of a dental emergency for the best possible outcome. Dental VisitsWith the added diligence that dental offices continue to undergo right now to keep you and the office staff safe, such as regular office cleanings, and possible COVID-19 screenings prior to being seen, your dentist is likely not able to see as many patients in a day as in “normal” conditions. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, you should call your dentist to check to see if you can be seen sooner. The ADA recommends that you contact your dentist if you experience:
Dental offices are currently open for regular business, but there is still a chance your dentist’s office is on a reduced schedule. Always call ahead first. We can assist you in finding care by calling (800) 544-0718 or visiting us online on our blog. If you do have an emergency while you are traveling or your regular dentist is not available, Delta Dental of Iowa members now have access to Delta Dental Virtual Visits by Teledentistry.com. These virtual visits are a safe and effective way to receive dental care and avoid the emergency room. Use Delta Dental – Virtual Visits when you:
While not a replacement for your regular dentist, Delta Dental Virtual Visits can come in handy should you have an emergency. Learn more about Delta Dental Virtual Visits at deltadentalia.com/emergency. Visit an Emergency Room if you experience:
Types of Dental Emergencies:
Familiarity with how to handle a dental emergency will help you or someone you love to recover more quickly and easily. For more information on the importance of maintaining your oral health during a pandemic, check out:
*Updated September 2021 |