During the first couple of months, when Covid19 had just started spreading its gigantic tentacles all across the globe, the dental practitioners were asked to stop the visits. Now, however, the CDC and ADA want them to weigh the risks properly before providing the care. The rest of the discussion encompasses a couple of aspects that the readers must know if they are worried about their oral hygiene amidst the pandemic. Please check it out now.
Safety
With Covid19 cases increasing at a considerable pace, who knows what the future holds for dentists? Will they be able to run their clinic normally ever again? Well, rather than waiting, it seems viable to kick off while maintaining the safety guidelines.
The dentist and his or her team must wash their hands thoroughly with a strong cleanser and sterilize the tools. They must wear high-grade masks and gloves. Spacing out the appointments is a great idea because it prevents the clinic from getting overcrowded. Check the temperature of the patients, and inquire about their overall wellbeing, prior to letting them in.
Studies have shown that coronavirus passes from one body to another through respiratory droplets. When one person sneezes or coughs, the virus is released into the air, and if someone else breathes it in, he or she is bound to fall sick. The virus may also pass through saliva and mucus present in the mouth, which people can come in contact within a dentist’s office.
Many clinics are unfortunately not designed for offering utmost protection. Stay away if they do not have a separate isolation room for each patient, a substantial amount of N95 masks, and alcohol-based sanitizers.
Non-Urgent Treatments
Non-urgent treatments or elective treatments are for the conditions that do not harm oral health immediately; hence, can be addressed later. One may visit the dentist when the situation in their locality gets better. Why wade along with a congested ER unnecessarily? Some major examples include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Teeth whitening
- Checkup for braces
- Fixing problems concerning the appearance of the teeth and the face
- Procedures for cavities that have not started hurting yet
- X-rays
Emergency Treatments
Certain conditions, however, are life-threatening. They inflict unbearable pain and when not addressed right away can escalate the chances of infection to a great extent. In Melbourne’s Covid-19 lockdown dentists can only perform emergency tasks, and that is only practical. Some examples include:
- Continuous bleeding
- Damaged tissue that requires biopsy
- Immense inflammation
- Broken or lost crown
- Hurtful brace wires
- Dental trauma that led to breathing troubles
- Post-surgery care that requires assistance
- Loosely-fitted dentures
Call your dentist if you have doubts or questions and if you should drop in or wait. If the dentist believes your condition to be benign, he or she will ask you to stay at home and suggest a few home remedies. Inform the dentist if you are suffering from fever and shortness of breath. Do not blast through the door unannounced. Be responsible. You would not want to risk others’ lives, right?