OT: Dental Care

[2LeftCleats]

What are folks doing during the pandemic? I’m usually in twice a year for cleaning. With a move cross country last year and Covid, it’s been a year and a half since I’ve done I anything but try to take good care of my teeth. Feel like I should establish with someone, but not sure of risk/benefit. We have at least one dentist on board. I know especially the smaller practices are struggling and I’d be glad to use their services if it’s reasonably safe. As long as it’s routine care and no drilling or other aerosolizing procedures, it seems like it ought to be reasonably safe for patient and practitioner. But I saw there’s conflict between the ADA, which says visits are ok, and either CDC or WHO who says non-emergency visits should be avoided. Many offices lack adequate ventilation systems. Anybody going in? Haven’t seen any study.

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by 2LeftCleats

What are folks doing during the pandemic? I’m usually in twice a year for cleaning. With a move cross country last year and Covid, it’s been a year and a half since I’ve done I anything but try to take good care of my teeth. Feel like I should establish with someone, but not sure of risk/benefit. We have at least one dentist on board. I know especially the smaller practices are struggling and I’d be glad to use their services if it’s reasonably safe. As long as it’s routine care and no drilling or other aerosolizing procedures, it seems like it ought to be reasonably safe for patient and practitioner. But I saw there’s conflict between the ADA, which says visits are ok, and either CDC or WHO who says non-emergency visits should be avoided. Many offices lack adequate ventilation systems. Anybody going in? Haven’t seen any study.

Let’s just say, I have never taken better care of my teeth since this started. Bought a great electric toothbrush, floss daily and use strong mouthwash. Not going in to any office, especially somewhere where they are so close for a prolonged period of time, for a very long time.

[parallelfish]

Yes, I continue to maintain all of my medical appointments, dental or otherwise.

[Ozz]

don't forget to floss....oh, and you need to floss more.

Yeah, I went to dentist back in June as I had scheduled the appt in December. Lots of PPG, face shields etc....oh and an extra PPG fee on the bill. But they told me that up front.

Went OK....it is a nice office and I have been going there for 25 years.

[mdeth1313]

Originally Posted by Ozz

don't forget to floss....oh, and you need to floss more.

Yeah, I went to dentist back in June as I had scheduled the appt in December. Lots of PPG, face shields etc....oh and an extra PPG fee on the bill. But they told me that up front.

Went OK....it is a nice office and I have been going there for 25 years.

Similar situation, but my dentist doesn't have a PPE fee.

[tbike4]

Yep I went in August for cleaning. The tech was wearing a LOT of gear and I felt fine being there. I had also read conflicting data that said don't go for regular cleaning and absolutely do go.
Perhaps if you are an "at risk" person then the visit should wait.
I do not recall any PPE fee either. It costs plenty already.

[bikinchris]

Most dentists are doing a very good job combating COVID. Patients stay in their car until wanted inside and very thorough cleaning between patients.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

Most dentists are doing a very good job combating COVID. Patients stay in their car until wanted inside and very thorough cleaning between patients.

yep....I sent them a text when I arrived, and they sent me a text to let me know when to come in.

[PSC]

I went today. No problems, The cleaning and exam were quicker than normal. I was in and out in about 30 minutes.

[Peter P.]

Just had my teeth cleaned yesterday!

With the Covid shutdown, my cleaning was initially cancelled.

A couple months went by and I received an e-mail reminding me they were open and ready to do business (within state guidelines, of course).

A month later I received a letter stating something similar.

Without knowing how long it would be before regular return to business, I made an appointment.

Since I don't have a cellphone (they wanted you to call from outside when you arrived), I was told to poke my head in the door and announce my arrival.

All the office staff were behind plexiglass. They wiped down everything we touched, before and after.

The hygenist had me wash my hands before I sat in the chair, and rinse with Listerine, both new procedures. She was all kitted up with a face shield and the cleaning proceeded without anything else unusual.

[572cv]

I went last month for a teeth cleaning. Everyone there is pretty well protected with PPE for sure. My dentist’s office makes you do a mouth wash with some sort of peroxide solution, which is pretty awful tasting, but apparently effective. But the big thing was that there was no mechanical polishing, which could fling stuff all over the place, so the hygienist took extra time to hand scrape and polish.

It was the best cleaning I’ve ever had in my life.

[eddief]

the best "get the food out from between your teeth" thingy known to man. yes, floss is great but these things come in sizes that fit all your holes:

https://piksters.com/product/pikster...ack-sizes-00-7

[chuckroast]

I've been three times this year, got a new crown yesterday actually. I felt safe each time.

When I was there in April for a regular cleaning, they didn't use the sonic blaster thing, she just scraped the old fashioned way. But, the hygienist was pretty kitted up, mask and face shield. I also had to rinse with something nasty tasting.

By two weeks ago, they were back to using the blaster.

[OtayBW]

Yup - had a crown done ~2 months ago. No problemo. The dentist and staff were great.

[Blue Jays]

I am continuing my regular dental care while embracing all the newest safety practices.
Now is especially the time not to get a nasty infection within inches of your brain and heart!
Be safe and cautious, yet do not completely discard important precautionary healthcare.