Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During COVID-19?

For most patients:

Yes, it’s safe to visit the dentist during COVID-19 if the patient has been pre-screened and the dentist’s office is taking all precautions to minimize infection.

This has been on many people’s minds…

And in a time of uncertainty, it’s no surprise that many people are wondering, “Should I go to the dentist during COVID?”

Going to the dentist during COVID sounds scary, and we completely understand your concerns. But let’s leave emotions behind and look at the precautions in place to minimize the risk of infection at the dentist.

You should also consider your health and well-being when asking yourself, “Is it safe to go to the dentist during COVID?”

At Dental Health Care of Woburn, we’re going beyond the recommended guidelines, so you feel confident about your dentist visits again!

A quick reminder:

We know with all this chaos, it may be easy to forget that dentists have always taken extra precautions for infection control (even during “regular times”). After all, a dentist or hygienist’s job is just about the only one where it’s acceptable to get spit on accidentally, on a daily basis.

Now, we continue to follow the CDC…Opens in new window to CDC website…, ADA…Opens in new window to ADA website…, and OSHA…Opens in new window to OSHA website… guidelines and implement the highest infection control standards.

Don’t forget…

Despite the pandemic, preventative health is still very important and needs to be cared for with routine cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and dental exams.

What’s not safe is taking the risk of not maintaining regular dental cleanings and exams, which could lead to dental problems that cost extra time and money in the long run.

Take, for example, tooth infection or gum disease.

If left untreated, cavities and periodontitis may lead to decay, tooth loss, more severe infections, and even heart disease or stroke.

Don’t risk it.

Contact your dentist and discuss your oral health and concerns. If there’s some dental matter that needs attention (even if it’s not an immediate one), it’s important to have it looked at early on.

The longer you wait to visit the dentist, the higher the risk of a bigger problem.

Should I go to the dentist during COVID?

Early in the pandemic, many dental offices were open just for emergency procedures (emergency service vs. preventative care had to be considered).

But as we’ve learned more about the virus and ways to minimize risk, the following questions come up:

• Are dental cleanings safe during this time?
• Should patients go in for preventative dental care?
• Do I cancel my appointment for now?

Every patient is unique, and personal risk factors must be considered for who should come in for preventative dental care and dental treatments. Still, for most patients, dental cleanings and preventative visits should be maintained.

As for canceling your appointment…

Consider rescheduling to a day and time you feel comfortable visiting your dentist. But do it soon!

Ongoing care for our bodies can’t be put on hold.

Great dental care is a lifetime of excellent dental habits, including brushing and flossing at home and maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings.

We understand you may be wary of leaving your home and entering a shared space, but our dentists are continually trained and taking the right measures to make your visit a safe one.

Now, let’s focus on you:

Maybe you’ve had tooth pain, bleeding gums, or something else of concern, and you keep putting it off. The pandemic has lasted for months and is still ongoing, so don’t wait for COVID-19 to be over before visiting the dentist.

This is true for both healthy mouths and ones with ongoing issues. It’s especially relevant for those with periodontal disease and in need of periodontics and restorative treatment (from fillings to crowns or a full mouth reconstruction).

Your oral health is vital to your overall health and well-being, so speak to your dentist today about scheduling a visit.

Take the right steps.

Whenever you leave the house, you’re in contact with new germs and bacteria, but it’s essential to take the right steps to prevent infection.

Do this not just for yourself, but for the entire community.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has equipped all of us with ways to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection. These include:

• Wash your hands often
• Wear a mask
• Avoid crowds
• Stay at least 6 feet apart (social distance)

It’s a team effort. Everyone has ways to prevent the spreading of coronavirus, including local businesses.

Dental practices have always had high standards in preventing infections and continue to do so even more during the coronavirus pandemic.

Your Woburn dentist is open during COVID.

At Dental Health Care of Woburn, we’re open during COVID and have taken precautions to make sure we protect our patients, staff, and visitors.

All this, while offering a wide range of dental services under one roof, which makes it easier to diagnose problems and treat them before they worsen. Our friendly staff doesn’t judge; we’re on your side and want you to have the happy and healthy smile you deserve!

It’s important to remember to continue to care for yourself and the ones you love.

Remember: Infection control practices have been in place pre-pandemic. We continue to take precautions during the appointment set-up, during the office visit, and after the appointment.

We continually maintain a safe environment at the dental office by taking extra steps above the standard recommendations.

It’s a confusing time, so here’s a list of what to expect before scheduling and once you’re here at your appointment:

• We screen patients before the appointment and take their temperature once they arrive
• Please wait in your car, and we’ll call you when it’s time to come in for the appointment
• Wear your mask until you’re seated in the dental chair
• You’ll use hand sanitizer and wash your hands once inside

Let us tell you what happens behind the scenes…

As for the staff:

• Everyone is continually updated on protocols and is thoroughly trained
• On a daily basis, every team member is screened and gets a temperature check
• The office staff wears masks at all times
• The clinical staff wear PPE (personal protective equipment)

Precautions at the office include:

• Air purifiers and fans have been added to upgrade the air filtration system
• No magazines or toys are in the waiting room
• After each patient leaves, the exam room and surfaces are disinfected
• Ongoing cleanings of the office space

A lot of changes, yes, but you’ll still get the same dental care and warm, welcoming staff you’re accustomed to.

Some things never change… and we hope one of those is your regular dentist visits!

Our hours of operation are the same, but we’ll reduce the number of patients in the office at once to allow for social distancing.

A reminder of our hours of operation:

• Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

We offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for Woburn, MA, and surrounding communities: Winchester, Burlington, Stoneham, Reading, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Lexington, and Wakefield.

If it’s time for a regular dental visit or you have a dental concern and are wondering, “Should I visit the dentist during COVID?”

(It’s a valid question.)

Then let us help you answer this and put your mind at ease. You deserve the highest quality dental care – always.

Schedule your dental visit today:

• Contact us online to schedule your appointment
• Call us at 781-935-8810
• Email us directly at reception@dentalhealthcareofwoburn.com