Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During COVID-19?
Are you due for a dental appointment?
Are you unsure if it’s safe to go to your dentist during COVID-19?
You’re not alone!
With the recent reopening of dental offices, many patients have reservations about booking a dental visit just yet.
As your trusted Tacoma dentist and team, we’re here to tell you:
Yes, it’s safe to visit the dentist!
How?
Let us explain!
Is it safe to visit the dentist during COVID-19?
Yes! Dental offices are now open in all 50 states across the US.
Dental offices, like ours, have always followed the highest infection control standards. We’re masters of sterilization!
Preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and diseases is not a new protocol for dental professionals. It’s something we take very seriously – pandemic or not.
From the way we schedule patients to the type of air filtration we use has everything to do with safety for our patients and staff.
If you notice that your dentist isn’t enforcing a ton of new regulations, it may be because those were already in place.
However:
COVID-19 is spread through droplets, according to research. Given the nature of dentistry – operating in your mouth and being unable to keep 6 feet apart – we understand you may have some questions or concerns.
That’s why dentists are taking their safety measures a step further.
At Giesy Family & Implant Dentistry, we’re implementing dental office safety beyond the recommendations of the CDC, ADA, and OSHA.
List of additional dental office safety measures
Here’s what we’re doing to protect you at our dental office in Tacoma, WA:
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in dentistry is with masks and PPE.
Since you cannot wear a mask during treatment, we’ll protect us all with full PPE.
Speaking of masks:
We’re also requiring anyone who enters our office to wear a mask or face covering.
Screenings with temperature checks
Before your appointment, we’ll ask you a series of COVID-19 screening questions.
When you arrive for your appointment, we’ll ask you to remain outside the office until we complete another set of COVID-19 screening questions. When you’re cleared, we’ll invite you into the office to take your temperature.
If there’s any fever or indication of COVID-19 symptoms… This text opens a new tab to the CDC website… or risk, we’ll require you to reschedule your appointment.
Face masks for everyone
We require all patients and necessary chaperones to practice social distancing and wear face masks throughout our clinic.
This will reduce your exposure to others in the waiting room, hallways, etc.
Adjusting your dental treatment
Before starting your treatment, you’ll be given a pre-procedural rinse. This reduces the level of bacteria and viruses in your mouth for the duration of your appointment.
Continually updating safety protocols
As new research and guidelines become available, we’ll continue to update our protocols to ensure we’re operating at the safest level possible.
If you’re still questioning if you should visit the dentist during COVID-19, here’s something else to consider:
Why you shouldn’t delay dental treatments during the pandemic
By neglecting your oral health, you’re also neglecting your overall health.
Studies… This text opens a new tab to the dentalcare.com website… show inflammation from dental problems, like gum disease (periodontitis), are linked to overall health problems, such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.
With the coronavirus, you must keep your overall health in tip-top shape. Those with underlying health conditions are at a far worse risk.
Other reasons why you shouldn’t avoid dental care include:
- Small problems becoming big problems
- Permanent damage to your smile
- Costly treatments
- Lengthy appointments
- Risk for pain and discomfort
Even routine hygiene cleanings should not be delayed. To maintain your overall health, it’s important to keep up on all medical, dental, and mental health care appointments, medications, and treatments.
Safely schedule your dental appointment!
If your dentist hasn’t explained what they’re doing to keep you safe, just ask! You have every right to feel confident and informed on how your dentist is maintaining a safe office environment during COVID-19.
Our Tacoma dentist, Dr. Michael Giesy, wants what’s best and safest for you. If you have a concern – for example, you’re over the age of 65 or have underlying health conditions – please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- Call us: 253-752-6630
- Email us: teresa@giesydental.com
- Request an appointment online
Our dental office serves patients from all over the Tacoma area… This text opens a new tab to our Google listing…, including Ruston, Spanaway, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, University Place, Fircrest, Olympia, Puyallup, Federal Way, Fife, and Port Orchard.
