Oct
You may be wondering if it’s okay to visit your dentist during the COVID 19 pandemic. Like so many things right now, the answer to this question is, “It depends”.The answer will be different for each person and is dependent on many factors. You will need to consider your level of need for dental care as well as your risk for serious complications from the Coronavirus and pair those up withthe level of precaution your dental office is taking.
Are you having a true dental emergency?
Are you at a high-risk for serious, potentially fatal,complications from the Coronavirus?
Is your dentist followingthe CDC protocolto protect you and themselves?
We’ve outlined for you some of the questions you need to answer before deciding what’s right for you, and the changes you should notice if you do decide to go.
There is often some debate over what is considered a “dental emergency”. What a patient considers an emergency and what our profession considers an emergency might surprise you. The ADA has issued guidance regarding what issues you should consider seeking care for during the Coronavirus pandemic. If you aren’t sure whether you need to be seen, be sure to call your dentist’s office and speak to someone who can answer your questions.
Ask yourself these questions to determine if you are experiencing a dental emergency:
Some of these things may not seem like an emergency, but not everything is always as it appears in dentistry. These questions will help identify things that we know can indicate or lead to more serious underlying problems if not addressed in the early stages.
Are you at a high-risk forserious complications from the Coronavirus?
You will need to weigh these risks against your need for dental care. This balance will be highly individualized. If you cannot determine the urgency with which you need attention, call your dental office and speak to them about your situation and they will be able to provide you with clear guidance.
What Changes Should You See in Your Dental Office During COVID 19?
An example of a screening you will receive when you visit Dillard Dental Services.
One advantage for dental offices during this pandemic is that the new requirements for protectionare not a big stretch for us. Dental office clinical personnel are accustomed to following Universal Precautions and wearing a mask for several hours a day already. In fact, wearing a mask is such a normal part of our day that occasionally we have difficulty remembering to remove it! More than once I have caught a glimpse of myself in the rear-view mirror on my drive home and realized I am still wearing a mask! It’s important that we remove our masks before leaving the office due to the contamination that is present on the outside of it, but you can be certain that we are rarely forgetting to wear one in the first place. If you’ve noticed that your dental office personnel hasn’t worn a mask during your previous visits, it may be time to question whether universal precautions were the standard of care being followed to protect you before COVID came along.
Leslie P. Dillard DDS
Dr. Leslie Dillard is a highly accomplished dental professional known for her compassionate care and dedication to her patients. Graduating at the top of her class from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, she went on to earn her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Dillard and her dedicated team are committed to patient-centered care, especially for those with dental anxiety, earning a reputation for excellence driven by word-of-mouth referrals. Passionate about giving back, she actively supports the Interfaith Dental Clinic and the Nashville Rescue Mission, providing care to underserved populations.