Emergency Dentistry and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: What Precautions Are Being Taken?

While COVID-19 spreads, emergency dentistry is still considered an essential service. Dental offices are canceling routine wellness checkups and elective procedures. Yet, if you need immediate attention for a condition, you should not hesitate to get the right care. Your emergency dentist will follow the correct steps. These actions will help to maintain your well-being during this challenging time.

Dental emergencies

Many places around the world are issuing stay-at-home orders to contain the disease. In these circumstances, people should only leave for the most important needs. Certain oral health matters fall under this category. If a severe toothache is impairing a patient, the person should seek emergency dentistry right away. Another reason to call an emergency dentist is if a patient has a broken or lost tooth. Also, jaw pain or a swollen jaw is a dental emergency.

The right protective equipment

Dentists, hygienists and emergency dentistry staff members are taking this pandemic seriously. These professionals are protecting themselves and creating a COVID-19-free environment in the office. Patients who come in will find that the dentist and assistants will wear gloves and a facemask. The dentist will also have eye protection and a face shield. The dentist will replace these after working with each patient.

Monitoring employees’ health

The dentist will have a close eye on their employees during this time. No one with any COVID-19 symptoms will be allowed to come into work. These symptoms include fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing. Body aches and congestion may also occur in some people. Employees who have these issues should call their doctor immediately. Then, the employee should get the appropriate care.

Monitoring patients’ health in emergency dentistry offices

A person with COVID-19 symptoms may still require emergency dental procedures. Patients who may have the disease should call the dentist first to explain this. The dentist should work with the person’s doctor to determine what to do next. That includes where to perform the treatment as well. An employee may suspect that a patient in the office has the disease. In this case, the dentist should be informed first and then the health department and follow instructions.

Implement wise practices in the office

When a patient goes to an emergency dentistry office, the person can take comfort to know it is a clean place. These facilities are taking extra steps to promote the patients’ well-being now. Staff members are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the office, wiping down all touchpoints. There should not be any magazines or toys in the waiting room. The dentist is also staggering appointments. This reduces the chances of more than one person being in the waiting room at once.

Feel good about getting the help you need

COVID-19 is causing a lot of uneasiness at this time. You should not have to postpone emergency dentistry needs, however. As you can see, offices are doing the right things to look out for your welfare. If you have further concerns about what your dentist is doing in response to this outbreak, give the office a call.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

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