This pandemic has overturned all our routines and the dental care routine is one among them. As a matter of fact, many people now wrongly feel that dental care can wait. While there are few dental procedures that can wait, a host of dental procedures cannot be delayed. Let us see in detail the dental care we need to follow with no compromises during this coronavirus period.

Are Visits to Dental Offices Safe?

Many restrictions imposed by the authorities have been lifted. If not they are slowly getting lifted. Operating a dental office has long been lifted in many parts of India. The relevant State health authorities have laid guidelines to operate a dental office and many dentists are adhering to such guidelines. Many safety precautions like sanitizing the dental office after a patient visit, dentists wearing full protection suits like PPEs, masks, etc. are in place. Dentists also prescribe covid tests for patients where and when needed. Hence a patient need not fear to visit the dentist where Covid rules are strictly followed in this pandemic period.

Dental Services that CAN wait

• Regular cleaning can wait for certain months. But if you have a bad plaque buildup and is causing bleeding of gums, it is better to visit a dentist. As a matter of fact, even regular cleaning can be scheduled now as the restrictions have eased.
• If you have got your dental implant surgery done and you are awaiting your dental crown but could not get through the dentist, it is okay to wait a while. But the days of crowns not reaching the dental office has gone and every allied industry in the field of dentistry have started working. So be informed that there are no more delays in getting your dental crowns and hence you can approach your dentist to get your dental crown.
• Certain cosmetic dental procedures like the various procedures inside smile designing can wait. But if you have undergone any emergency procedures as a result of trauma, the subsequent surgeries are not strictly cosmetic in any sense and they can proceed as per schedule or as per your dental surgeon’s availability.

Dental Services that CANNOT wait

• Any dental emergencies like unbearable tooth ache, fractured teeth and other serious dental trauma, can never wait.
• Though tele-consultation is a means by which you can address such things like tooth ache, a visit to the dentist only can make holistic treatment possible.
• If a badly damaged teeth has been recommended to be extracted by the dentist, never postpone the same. It can keep damaging the bones underneath and can make getting dental implants a more challenging task. Though innovative and new types of dental implants are available for people with worst bone loss, it needs to be kept in mind that it comes with cost.
• If you have gingivitis or periodontal problems keep the treatment going without any delays so that you are free from it as soon as possible.
• Loosening of dental braces can cause the braces to move. This can lead to misalignment and may not produce the desired result. Hence definitely visit the dentist on a regular basis to check the alignment of the braces. Your dentist will tighten the braces if need be, should it become loose.