Dental Care During COVID-19: Everything You Need to Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes, including the temporary closing of the dental clinics. However, in May 2020, the American Dental Association gave the green light that dentists could resume their services under new guidelines. This means you can now visit our dental clinic for your routine dental checkups and cleaning.

Why is the Dental Clinic a High-risk Place COVID-19 Infections?

The SARS-CoV-2 spreads through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks, or exhales. These droplets may also land on the surfaces, and once you come in contact with them and touch your mouth, eyes, or nose, you too can get infected.

Because of the nature of dental treatments, dental clinics offer a unique environment for the spreading of the Coronavirus. The dentists’ common tools, such as drills, can also generate tiny particles or aerosols that linger in the air for minutes.

However, despite the numerous risks that the dental clinics have, the risks can be reduced with proper precautions. We have taken the American Dental Association set guidelines on making the dental clinic safe for you and our staff.

Why is Routine Dental Care Important During COVID-19?

With the spread of COVID-19, most people are reluctant to come to the dental clinic for assessment and cleaning. But, not getting your routine dental checkup poses a risk to your oral and overall wellness.

• Risk of decay. Professional dental cleaning helps to remove buildup plaques that tend to affect the teeth. The bacteria will erode the enamel, making it weaker and prone to cavities. Furthermore, when you come for your dental assessment, Dr. Michelle Chang may recommend fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel. Without regular dental checkups, you could increase your risk of decay.
• Gum disease. Periodontal disease is a common yet preventable dental problem. Gum disease is caused by tartar (hardened plaques), which triggers inflammation. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissue if not addressed early. This will cause the teeth to weaken, gums to recede, and tooth decay.
• Tooth loss. Decay can affect the teeth to the point where they need extracting. Removal of your permanent teeth can be detrimental not only to your appearance but also to the dental structure.

All these dental problems are preventable if you visit the clinic for routine dental care.

What to Expect?

We understand the reservation that you might have about visiting a dental clinic for routine dental cleaning. However, we have guidelines and precautions in place to make the environment safe for everyone.

• Pre-screening questionnaire. Before visiting the clinic, you will be required to fill the questionnaire. This is a comprehensive questionnaire that includes collecting information on your previous infections or preexisting medical conditions. The questionnaire helps us to assess your health status. It will also enable us to do contact tracing in case you come in contact with an infected person while at the dental clinic.
• Provision of PPEs. Our dental team will provide you with Personal Protective Equipment when you come to the clinic.
• We are reducing patient interaction. Unlike in the past, where patients waited in the waiting room for their appointment, you are required to come a few minutes before your appointment to avoid congestion. You are also required to make a prior appointment to give you an appropriate time slot based on the volume of patients. It is required that you sit alone until you are called.
• Pre-testing. Our dentist in Omaha will do a temperature check before you are allowed to get into the clinic. You are also required to sanitize and wear your facial mask (properly) at all times while at the clinic.
• We have also increased ventilation to prevent aerosols from harboring. Plus, we do constant cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces.

Take note; though we are open to regular dental checkups, treatment priority is given to emergency dental situations.

Schedule an Appointment 

COVID-19 is spreading, but that is not a reason to put off your dental checkup. At Anding Family Dental, we have taken the necessary steps to ensure you are safe during your dental appointment.