Dental Care amid the Covid-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has presented an unprecedented global public health crisis. Therefore, it is important to address concerns regarding routine dental care during these trying times. The coronavirus spreads via respiratory droplets and thus can be inhaled. Some dental devices can spray these droplets putting both the doctor and patient at risk. The majority of dental practices are not designed to offer such high levels of protection. The CDC and American Dental Association (ADA) have requested dental offices across the globe to limit operations and stop non-urgent visits and surgeries in attempts to control the spread of the virus. For this reason, dental visits during the COVID crisis have been limited to emergency care only.
What qualifies as non-urgent dental care?
Non-urgent care involves elective procedures that do not harbor an impact on your health and thus can be rescheduled easily. These include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Teeth whitening
- X-rays
- Checkup for braces
- Cosmetic issues
- Treatment for painless conditions such as cavities, tooth extractions
What qualifies as emergency dental care?
Emergency detail care usually involves the following:
- Severe pain
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Swelling in or around the mouth
- Broken teeth
- Tissue damage
- Infection
- Post-surgery care
- A broken or lost temporary crown
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Dental work related to cancer treatment
- Brace wires that are causing pain
It is prudent to call your dentist beforehand to discuss your problem. Your dentist will then decide whether the matter needs urgent attention or not.
Is the dental clinic safe?
All healthcare facilities are following specific safety guidelines to ensure the safety of their patients. At the Dental Clinic, we prioritize patient protection above everything else. At our practice, all surfaces are disinfected between patients. Our tools are cleaned, replaced, and sterilized between each use. Our staff is trained to follow proper hygiene protocols. Our practitioners wear complete protective gear during treatment. To minimize the risk of infection spread, we cover our patients’ mouths with a rubber dental dam. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we are going the extra mile and taking the following measures to ensure patient and doctor safety.
- Checking the patient for fever as well as any other symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath.
- Inquiring about the patient’s recent travel history and exposure to people with COVID-19.
- Spacing out appointments to keep the number of patients in the waiting rooms down to a minimum.
You can contact the Dental Clinic and consult with our expert dental professionals to guide you better on the matter. We look forward to providing you with premium dental care amid this crisis. Practice social distancing and stay safe, everyone.
