What To Do When Looking For Dentist Open Now During Pandemic?

By Author: Shane Webster
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If you had an appointment on your calendar to get your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled around now, it is most likely been rescheduled due to COVID-19. Although some folks are secretly grateful for a reprieve from the dentist, some oral-health issues should not be postponed, and some are outright emergencies.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that dentist open now only treat emergencies at this time, and some states and municipalities have mandated that, as well. These measures protect both patients and oral health-care professionals, as dental procedures can pose risks for COVID-19 transmission. A significant concern is the creation of aerosols—fine particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air—by drills, water and air syringes, and other pieces of dental equipment.

Some of the questions you may have about seeking dental care during the pandemic are answered by the experts.

If the dentist office not open now and you think you may have a problem. What to do?

Call your family dentist first. They are aware of the patient’s oral health better than other dentists and will recommend ...
... next steps. It’s always best to just call your dentist first. ADA recommends rescheduling for another time for daily visits for exams, braces, x-rays, cleaning, and tooth whitening.

During an emergency, will one can able to see their usual dentist?

Some dentists may be in the medically compromised group—that’s anyone, for instance, over age sixty or with underlying medical conditions such as respiratory disorders, diabetes or asthma—and they have been told they should not be seeing patients. If that is the case, your dentist will refer you to colleagues who can help.

What sort of things will the dentist want to know?

The dentist will ask about swelling or pain: Does it hurt when you bite down? Do you still feel pain after you bite down and let go? Various symptoms can indicate different problems— whether it’s a cracked tooth or an infection.

What about taking over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications?

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was some concern to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen However that has yet to be substantiated. The current recommendation is if you need something to bring down swelling, take the anti-inflammatory as directed, but be very cautious of the dosage. Acetaminophen can reduce pain, but it will not take swelling down, so it may not be as helpful. It will, however, take some of the pain away or to a more tolerable level.

Dentists can also prescribe antibiotics to treat or ward off infection. Typically, a dentist open now would want to take an X-ray before prescribing antibiotics, but a recent ADA advisory allows prescribing without an X-ray under the current circumstances.

You recently had a dental procedure, such as a root canal, and supposed to go back for a follow-up appointment

Follow your post-operative instructions, and check with your dentist. According to the ADA, situations that may require an in-person follow up are changing a dressing or removing stitches.

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