Getting dental work done during the coronavirus

The question for today is, can I go to the dentist? And, the answer is, it depends on what for. The American Dental Association and the CDC are asking all dental offices to stop non-urgent visits and surgeries to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Postponing your regular teeth cleaning will help protect you and your dental care provider.

“The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets. That’s what flies through the air when you cough or sneeze. If someone breathes this in, they can get sick. It’s also in the mucus and saliva in your mouth and throat. Those are the fluids your dentist, and their tools easily come in contact with,” WebMD says.

Plus, they say that by skipping routine treatments, your dentist is available to focus on emergency care that can save people a trip to the hospital. And, it saves on personal protective equipment that we all know is in short supply right now.

So, you will be postponing any elective procedure that isn’t causing you pain such as regular X-rays, cavities, tooth removal, teeth whitening, fixing cosmetic problems, and checkups for braces.

However, and here’s the vital part, you can and should get care for serious dental problems. “The ADA considers anything life-threatening, something that needs treatment right away. Ultimately your dentist decides what’s urgent,” WebMD says.

Now you ask, what will my dentist consider urgent? Severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, tissue that needs a biopsy, swollen areas in or around your mouth (gums, face, or neck), broken teeth, especially if they cause pain or tissue damage, and any signs of infection (pain or swelling) are good reasons to call your dentist.

Also, any post-surgery care you can’t do yourself, a broken or lost temporary crown, any dental work related to cancer treatment, any problems with dentures, a painful wire in your braces, and trauma that may affect your ability to breathe.

If it’s not an option for you to call a dentist’s office, call Bonner General Immediate Care 208-263-0649 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). They will advise you as to whether they can treat you or if you’ll need to go to the Emergency Department.

You might also ask if the dentist’s office is safe. WebMD says, “You come into contact with germs anytime you leave your house. But all healthcare workers should follow certain safety guidelines.” And, of course, those guidelines include utilizing disinfecting procedures that protect your health, such as washing their hands and sterilizing reusable tools.

Dur-ing this pandemic, the dental staff may disinfect all surfaces and tools more often, clean, replace, and cover tools between uses, always wear protective gear, and cover your mouth with a rubber dental dam.

They need to protect themselves, as well. You will most likely be asked several questions, such as whether or not you’ve come in contact with someone with the virus and whether or not you’ve recently traveled.

The dental staff may also take your temperature and ask you not to arrive early. The waiting room may be rearranged, so chairs are six feet apart, or you may be asked to remain in your car until the dentist is ready to see you.

It’s your responsibility to tell your dentist if you have COVID-19 or think you do. You won’t be denied treatment, but precautions will be taken to make sure you, other patients, and our healthcare providers are protected.

With so few cases of COVID-19 in our county, many people think we should be able to let up on the restrictions. What we all have to keep in mind is that so far we’ve been lucky. A look at other parts of the country proves that what we’re doing is working, and we must continue to be diligent, or we’ll all be at a higher risk of this deadly disease.

Please take care of yourself. Stay in touch with neighbors, family, and friends, and be well.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.