The risk of undetected dental infections that could happen by not seeing a dentist is much higher than the likelihood of getting sick when visiting the dentist.
Most people have been doing what they have to do to stay safe to reduce the transmission of COVID. However, limiting many of our public encounters means limiting aspects of our personal health. Dental check-ups are one of the things people have put on the back burner.
According to a Next Smile study, as many as 68% of Missourians have delayed dental check-ups due to Coronavirus fears. The problem with delayed dental care is the risk of potentially more serious problems. Routine exams can help prevent cavities and other issues because they can be found early on and are more easily treatable.
Can a Dental Problem Fix Itself?
Unlike certain types of health issues, dental problems won’t just go away over time by themselves. The fact is, if a person has an aggressive infection or physical cavity, it will not go away given time. Even improving your dental hygiene habits will not make it better. Therefore, ignoring the situation is more likely to make the problem worse and more complex to fix. The best option is to see your dentist as soon as you experience symptoms and, ideally, get a dental checkup before there’s a real issue.
Going to the Dentist During COVID
According to the American Dental Association, fewer than 1% of dentists across the nation have tested positive for COVID-19. This is due, in part, to the safety policies and disinfectant practices dental offices have already had in place for decades. And during the pandemic, dentist offices have heightened their awareness and safety measures even more.
The risk of undetected dental infections that could happen by not seeing a dentist is much higher than the likelihood of getting sick when visiting the dentist.
Don’t Delay Dental Care and Treatment
Delaying dental problems will only make them worse. A small cavity can be easily filled to keep it from spreading. But if you wait until it starts to hurt or wait for COVID to be gone, decay may spread to the nerve. What could have quickly been fixed with a filling has now become an abscess requiring further dental work.
The Dental Anesthesia Center During COVID
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, patient safety has always been our number one priority. We have been working diligently to ensure we provide care for you and your loved ones in the safest manner possible. Due to the seriousness of the CODID-19 virus, several new systems have been put in place to ensure your safety, including having multiple air purification systems installed throughout the office and new social distancing guidelines for our waiting areas.
Click here for a complete list of our COVID-19 guidelines.
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The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.