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As long as you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) or are exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, it is in your best interest to continue having your regular dental appointments despite the pandemic. Healthcare facilities, including your doctors’ offices and your dentist’s office, are maintaining not only the usual rigorous safety and cleanliness standards but also having patients follow protocols such as the wearing of a mask upon entering and exiting.

In March 2020, it was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that dentists conduct only emergency dental procedures for patients – but since that time, many restrictions have been lifted. Businesses have begun to reopen, and dentists are now able to see patients for their regular appointments.

How Are Patients Protected at the Dentist’s Office?

Practical guidance provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the CDC have been put in place to allow dental practices to open safely while also preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Screening patients for symptoms, limiting the number of dental appointments in a day (so patients are not sitting among each other in the lobby), implementing stringent sanitation protocols, and wearing more protective equipment are just some of the new procedures in place. Plus, whereas your dentist used to take their own mask off to talk to you before and after conducting your checkup, now the dentist keeps the mask on.

There have been growing concerns raised by dentists and other healthcare providers that patients are putting off routine cleanings and examinations due to coronavirus fears. However, this could lead to health issues further down the line, so it is imperative to keep your dental appointments.

When Should I See My Dentist?

In addition to routine dental checkups and cleanings, you should contact your dentist for advice particularly if you have any of the following:

• A potential oral infection or noticeable swelling
• Significant pain or bleeding
• Your tooth has come out or has become loose (emergency treatment can potentially rescue a tooth)

An abscess or a mouth infection can be potentially life-threatening and therefore requires urgent medical assistance. An oral infection that goes untreated can enter your bloodstream and cause sepsis or other lethal systemic reaction in your body.

Remember that your dentist is your best source of oral healthcare. You don’t want to “stay safe” from the coronavirus while contracting a possible fatal oral disease.

Trusted Dentist in Plantation, Florida

If you are looking for comprehensive dental care, the caring and compassionate staff at the dental offices of Dr. Ernie Soto is here to serve you and your whole family. We provide a full range of dental services, including general and cosmetic dentistry, and IV sedation is optional for all services – including cleanings. Your health and well-being are our highest priority, and we take the highest level of precautions to prevent the spread of infection at all times, including COVID-19.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soto, call our friendly staff today by calling (954) 368-6264 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here!