Although many are under stay at home measures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, there are still some everyday issues that cannot be avoided—like dental pain. But, can you see a dentist during this time? John L. Pfail, DDS, Chief of the Department of Dentistry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains which procedures can be addressed and which will have to wait.
Are dental procedures still being done in the office?
Currently, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the New York State Dental Society will only allow emergency procedures. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. Some dental procedures can create large amounts of these droplets in the air, for example through cleanings and fillings, which could spread the virus.
Out of an abundance of caution, elective surgery, routine restorations like fillings and all procedures involving the use of an ultrasonic scaler—which is used to clean teeth as well as remove stains and plaque—have been postponed. If patients are experiencing mild discomfort, they should contact their dentist who can evaluate and advise if they should wait until a possible reopening of offices in late May.
What types of procedures are considered an emergency?
Emergency procedures depend upon the level of pain or discomfort the patient is experiencing. However, these procedures would include the following:
Emergency treatment for pain and swelling
Depending on severity these would include medicated restorations—fillings, drainage of swellings and infections, as well as the removal of the inflamed nerve tissue of a tooth—pulpotomy
Extraction of severely mobile, fractured, or decayed teeth
Denture adjustments of sore spots
These spots should be attended to as they can lead to open wounds that may become further complicated, causing infection.
Refilling prescription medications
Please consult with your dentist. With the advent of telemedicine, you may not need to come in to the office to be seen.
I have an emergency dental procedure. Is the office safe?
Yes, it is very safe as dental offices follow strict protocols on infection control and asepsis–being free of any disease causing organisms, this includes viruses and bacteria.
Additionally, the ADA is currently completing new guidance for when dental offices reopen for all procedures. Social distancing will be maintained, patients will be screened with temperature checks, and visitors will be limited. These are just a few of the changes that will be noticed in the dental office.