Covid 19 has led to treatment delays for a lot of patients. Unknowingly, this has also led to small problems developing into larger problems that consequently require urgent treatment. One needs to be aware of the fact that dental healthcare needs are important and timely intervention can lead to patients needing to visit the dentist less in the future.
COVID- 19 epidemic and limited movement or socialization options should not stop you from seeing a dentist. Your teeth will not stop from decaying and wait for the epidemic to end. If neglected, they can develop various problems including gum diseases and cavities.
Your timely check-ups are also important to detect any pathologies from getting any worse. Early detection is critical for successful treatment and recovery.
Cleaning of your teeth is advised on your regular dental check-ups to prevent tartar/ plaque from deteriorating your teeth and further developing cavities.
Is it Safe to Visit a Dental Clinic Now?
Even before the pandemic, dental clinics were required to maintain fairly strict hygiene practices. It has long been a standard protocol for the entire dental care team to wear protective gear, including gloves, respiratory masks, and goggles for eye protection to minimize the risk of transmitting germs from one patient to another.
Now, due to COVID-19, there are additional safety precautions in place, and with the newly enhanced safety precautions, the dental clinics are, therefore, safe to visit.
When Should I Visit a Dentist?
Firstly, it’s important to understand whether the situation is a dental emergency or not. It’s important to see your dentist, as soon as possible, if you notice any of the following conditions:
Swollen cheeks/gums and extreme pain from swelling or possible infection;
Extreme tooth sensitivity or toothache causing constant pain;
Gums that does not stop bleeding; or
Trauma from an accident
Issues such as teeth cleaning, whitening of teeth, mild sensitivity, or a small chip in the tooth can all be treated at a later point in time. However, it is advisable to call up your dentist and let them decide if a visit is required or not.
Do I Need a Prior Appointment?
In the present circumstances, it is advisable to take a prior appointment before visiting a dental clinic for the following reasons:
- To minimize the number of patients in the waiting area, hence, ensuring social distancing;
- To minimize waiting time for the patient;
- Since the time taken to prepare the dental operatory has increased because of the elaborate
safety protocol to be followed, a prior appointment is encouraged.
What are Dental Clinics Doing to Protect Patients and Staff from COVID-19?
Safety is of utmost concern, especially now, as dentists enter the new COVID-19 world. Dental clinics today are taking extra precautions,
- Appointments: Telephonic screening of all patients is done prior to giving them an appointment. Appointments are staggered with more time allotted for each patient to reduce the number of people in the clinic at any given time to ensure social distancing among patients.
- Screening: The temperature and pulse oximeter reading of anyone entering the clinic is recorded for screening purposes. A detailed medical and travel information is being taken from all patients regarding COVID-19 along with other diseases in general, and treatment is rendered only after the assessment of risk.
- Eliminating shared spaces : Chairs are placed six feet apart in the waiting room. If you are early for
your appointment or if the dentist is running late, you may be asked to wait outside in your car or in
an outdoor space until the previous patient has left and the facility has been reset. - Increasing sanitation : Dentists will have sanitized tools at the ready before you arrive for your appointment. New procedures have been established to ensure that chairs and non-disposable instruments are thoroughly disinfected after the treatment of every patient.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dentists use PPE including hairnets, face shields, gloves, and full-body gowns and suits while they work. PPE is changed after treating each patient to minimize the risk of cross contamination, as recommended by the current guidelines.
What Precautions Should a Patient Take While Visiting a Dental Clinic in Lucknow?
• Participate in pre and post-appointment screenings, be honest with your dentist, and don’t skip on the details. • You should wear a mask whenever possible- while walking through the facility, while discussing your consultation, and on the way out. Doing so may prevent you from unknowing airborne contamination and may even prevent you from breathing them in.
• Avoid using the restroom. If you choose to use the restroom or touch a surface with your bare hands, you should wash or sanitize your hands immediately afterwards. Also, washing your hands is important after you leave the clinic.
• Adhere to the appointment time and avoid getting an attendant, with an exception of dependents and children. • Online payments are encouraged to avoid chances of transmission via cash or credit cards.
