Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire IL
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the globe have been worried about venturing into public places, even when taking necessary precautions. Many still avoid going to a medical office, or the dentist, at all costs. What if we told you that going to the dentist is safe during the COVID pandemic? Find out from one of Lake Forest’s most popular general dentists why this is so.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), less than 1% of dentists nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19. Could this be a scientific phenomenon? Or is it because dental practices are, and have been, some of the cleanest facilities? Well, we are here to tell you that it’s not a scientific miracle. Instead, it relates to the fact that dental practices have long since had the utmost safety measures in place even before COVID.
The Survey Says
The ADA surveyed 2,195 dentists from every state in the U.S., as well as Puerto Rico. Of those that responded, 20 had COVID-19. According to the ADA’s website, “When the results were weighted according to age and location to approximate all U.S. dentists, 0.9% were estimated to have a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection, with a margin of error of 0.5%.” This means that safety protocols that dentists are employing at their practices are working and keeping their team and patients safe.
What does this mean for patients?
It means that it is safe for most healthy individuals to visit their general dentist in Lake Forest for necessary treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes routine checkups and cleanings because neglecting your oral health may increase the risks of other serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Additionally, if you experience a bothersome oral health issue, don’t put off getting it checked by the dentist. Experts agree that COVID probably will be around for another year or two, and waiting until the dust settles isn’t necessary or ideal. A sensitive tooth or dull dental pain may not seem like a big deal right now, but often these issues manifest into more severe problems, usually at the worst time, like after hours or on the weekend.
Why not go to the E.R. if I have a toothache after hours?
The news continues to report COVID spikes across the country. This means that some hospitals are becoming inundated with COVID-19 patients. While hospitals employ safety and sanitation guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus, you are more likely to come in contact with COVID or someone who has it by visiting the hospital. Furthermore, hospital doctors are not equipped at handling or treating toothaches. In fact, most of the time, E.R. doctors will refer patients to their local emergency dentist in Lake Forest for proper treatment.
What we are doing to keep you safe
You may be wondering, what exactly does our practice do to keep you safe, or how are dental offices disinfected? We want to put your mind at ease by sharing our COVID protocols at Lake Forest Smiles.
We pre-screen each patient prior to their appointment to determine their exposure and risk of COVID. Everyone has their temperature checked prior to entering our building. Upon entry, patients must use an oral hydrogen peroxide rinse and wash their hands. We limit how many patients are allowed in the office at once, as well as ask that no one accompany the patient to their appointment unless medically necessary. Our waiting room is disinfected regularly throughout the day. Every patient room and other high-tough areas (doorknobs, light switches, etc.) are disinfected after each use with a CDC-approved disinfectant. Our HVAC system is equipped with HEPA filters and medical-grade UV disinfecting lights to improve air quality. And we also use DryShield, a specially designed suction that reduces oral aerosols during treatment. If you have questions about our COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit our website or contact our office by calling (847) 234-4800.