The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a stir in everyone’s daily routines and made patients second-guess about whether or not they should be visiting their dentist in Bellingham for routine checkups and cleanings. If you’re still on the fence about scheduling your appointment, you will likely benefit from the collection of questions that patients are asking their dental team during the COVID-19 crisis, below. With this vital information in hand, you can make a decision that’s good for your oral and overall health.
Is It Safe To Continue My Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
Yes! It’s completely safe to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings like you normally would. In fact, putting this important appointments on the back burner could result in the formation of severe oral or medical conditions, such as TMJ dysfunction if you grind your teeth, cavities, or severe gum disease that could increase your risk of a variety of additional health issues.
All of the dental equipment that will come near you or go in your mouth, including dental scalers, mirrors, and polishers, will be completely sanitized and sterilized after every patient. In-between appointments, your dental team will also disinfect all surfaces in the treatment room, including the treatment chair, before the next patient is brought in.
How Are Dentists Preventing Infection Spread?
COVID-19 is passed on via bodily droplets, like saliva, that get transferred to the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth). In order to prevent any type of droplet spread within their practice, your dentist is implementing a variety of safety protocols, including:
- Installed plastic barriers to stop the spread of airborne particles.
- No waiting room activities.
- Advanced chairside suction to minimize aerosolized contamination.
- Disposable PPE for all dental staff.
- Virtual dental appointments.
- Social distancing in-office whenever able.
Due to these practices paired with regular disinfecting and sterilization, your dentist is able to minimize patient-to-patient or patient-to-dental professional droplet spread and keep both patients as well as staff safe.
Should I Postpone My Dental Treatment?
Many patients wonder whether they should postpone their dental treatments during the COVID-19 crisis to prioritize their safety. Unfortunately, since there are so many unknown factors with the virus, it’s likely that it will be present for the foreseeable future. Postponing necessary dental treatments for that long could have a dire impact on your oral health. That’s why you should only call off an appointment if you’re experiencing potential signs of COVID-19, including:
- A low-grade fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you have any of these, it’s important to inform your dental office as soon as possible and quarantine yourself for at least 14 days or until your symptoms go away. After that, you can re-schedule your appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Moreno has been serving his community of Bellingham with high-quality dental care since 1995. He is passionate about making his patients’ health a priority, which is why he has implemented two dozen safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently accepting appointments for all treatments, including routine checkups and cleanings, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency procedures. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Moreno & Young Dental’s website or call 360-676-0642.