How To Handle Dental Check-Ups Post COVID-19
The pandemic brought changes to just about everything and even routine dental appointments may never be the same again. Follow the below tips to ensure that you don't get sidetracked from healthy dental habits because of the virus.
Call and Get Info – Some dental offices are now open and back to their normal operating hours but not all of them. Once you make an appointment, also check to learn of any new COVID-19 related practices to know about. For example, to cut down on people encountering each other in the waiting room, you might have to phone the receptionist and check in by phone. They may also limit the number of patients in the office at once. Call several weeks beforehand to avoid delays.
Once You Arrive – At the entrance, observe any signs about the use of masks and social distancing. Many medical facilities, even after mask restrictions have been removed elsewhere, still require masks and more. Don't be surprised to have your temperature read and to be asked questions about your general health. It's vital for the health and safety of the office employees to postpone your appointment if you feel unwell regardless of the cause.
Office Sanitation – In many cases, not much has changed when it comes to good sanitation practices at your dentist. Dental offices keep good hygiene practices at the forefront by sanitizing all surfaces to kill both bacterial and virus germs, pandemic or not. However, high-touch surfaces probably face more frequent than usual cleaning measures. Also, some dentists have taken more self-protective steps by donning thicker rubber gloves, an additional outer layer of scrubs, and clear face shields while near patients.
During Your Cleaning and Examination – As you have probably noticed, traditional dental hygiene and even some dental procedures can produce some messy side effects. What might have been annoying but harmless issues in the past may now be unwelcome and dangerous, however. For example, a simple dental cleaning could accidentally end up sending harmful body fluids into the room for others to breathe in. That is why you may notice your dental hygienist and dentists using suction devices that trap moisture and collect it. That prevents things from being messy and harmful
Rather than alarming, anything done to make things safer for you should be comforting. As always, your health and comfort are at the forefront of your dentist's motivations when it comes to not only your dental health but your overall health too.