Semi-annual checkups and cleanings are patients’ first line of defense against common oral health problems, such as cavities, which is why they’re so important to keep on top of. If you’re due for one but aren’t sure of how your dentist has adjusted their techniques and safety measures in response to COVID-19, you can read more below about what you can expect during your appointment.
Scheduling Your Appointment
When you first call your dentist to schedule your routine checkup and cleaning, it’s a good idea to call ahead of time so you can get the appointment time you’d like. Due to the vigorous disinfection and sterilization practices that your dentist has adopted, they’ve thinned-out their patient schedule. This means that they will be seeing fewer patients in a day in order to better control the traffic flow and better sanitize the area. You can expect to either fill out or answer patient screening questions over the phone as well. This will ensure that neither you, a roommate, or any of your loved ones that you’ve been in contact with are experiencing any of the common symptoms of COVID-19. If you are, they will ask you to cancel your appointment and reschedule it at a later date.
Arriving at the Dental Practice
When you get to your dental practice, you’ll notice that everybody, even the front desk attendant, will be wearing a face mask. This will prevent the spread of saliva droplets and reduce any risk of contaminated surfaces. You will be screened for signs of COVID-19 again and your no-touch temperature will be taken to make sure that you don’t have a low-grade fever.
Your dental hygienist and dentist will be wearing several different types of PPE in an effort to prevent droplet spread and keep patients and staff healthy. Each of the instruments used to examine and clean your mouth, such as the dental mirror and scaler, will be sanitized using a CDC-approved method, ensuring your safety and health. Plus, the dental staff will be thoroughly washing their hands before your treatment, if they leave the treatment area, and whenever they take their gloves off and put new ones on.
Checking Out & Heading Home
Checking out of your appointment, you’ll feel fresh, clean, and will be able to rest-assured that your oral health is in optimal shape. As you’re on your way home, the dental staff will thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that you may have come into contact with, including the entire treatment area. They’ll also sterilize any dental instruments that were in the room and make sure that everything is disinfected and ready for the next patient.
Although these uncertain times can be scary, when you don’t keep up with preventive dental care, it can cause serious problems to arise. After your checkup and cleaning, you’ll be able to invest all of your energy into caring for your wellbeing, knowing that your smile is completely healthy.
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, we offer the care and expertise of three highly skilled dentists who are all passionate about helping patients optimize their oral health. We are currently taking appointments for both new and existing patients and are adhering to strict CDC safety guidelines to do so. Our trained team is putting our patients’ health first by minimizing the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in our community. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 432-685-7011.