Should I keep my dental appointment with the Coronavirus scare going on?

Your safety is our highest priority at Advanced Dental and many clients are asking us, “Should I keep my dental appointment with the Coronavirus scare going on?

The entire world is in panic mode recently due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The disease has found its way to the USA and people are taking additional precautions by staying home and avoiding any unnecessary public areas. In addition, essentials such as disinfectants, Lysol, Purell hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol and face masks are being hoarded and are out of stock in most stores. So, is the panic justified? Should you stay home and not keep your dental appointment? The simple answer is ‘No.’

The media-fueled panic has caused essentials like Lysol and disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and rubbing alcohol to go out of stock in most stores and drive prices up online. So is the panic justified? Not really. The likelihood of you being infected by COVID-19 is very low.

You can learn more about COVID-19 on the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a general term given to respiratory illnesses that originate from animals, spread to humans and then spread from person to person. The animal that has caused the most recent coronavirus (COVID-19) is unknown. Several types of coronaviruses have been known for years. Past viruses such as MERS and SARS spread from camels and bats. Because COVID-19 is not completely understood yet, that is what is fueling the hysteria. The good news is that COVID-19 does show similarities to other coronaviruses in terms of symptoms and incubation times.

Symptoms and Complications of COVID-19

The following symptoms typically present themselves within 2 to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

People may also experience the following complications following contracting COVID-19:

• Pneumonia
• Multi-organ failure
• Death

How Does COVID-19 Spread?

COVID-19 spreads when someone comes within 6 feet of contact to someone who is infected. Usually when an infected person sneezes or coughs. You can also get it if you touch an object or surface which has COVID-19 on it and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes. COVID-19 is more dangerous to those with compromised immune systems like young children, the elderly and those fighting systemic diseases. For those who are generally healthy, even if you contract the disease, your body should be able to fight off the virus as it would the flu or a common cold.

Here’s how to protect yourself from getting COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands often for at least 30 seconds with soap and water
• When you’re unable to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

If you are sick, whether with COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, you can protect others by:

• Staying home when you’re sick
• Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue and throw it away immediately
• Always disinfect and clean objects and surfaces you touch
• Avoid contact with others

Should I keep my dental appointment?

Yes, it is still completely safe. Our office has been following universal precaution guidelines and we disinfect, clean and sterilize our treatment rooms before and after each patient visit. COVID-19 hasn’t impacted the availability of dental care or the safety of visiting the dentist.

If you feel that you’re unwell, don’t put others at risk. Reschedule your appointment, stay home and get well. If you feel that you may have COVID-19, please contact your medical doctor or call a hospital and ask them what you should do. Do not just show up to a medical office without calling first. That way they can prepare to receive you and get you tested right away.

This site will help you stay up-to-date on all the latest COVID-19 news: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-updates.html
It is our hope that this information will help calm any concerns you may have and we look forward to seeing you at your upcoming dental appointments.