Many people have not seen the dentist for a while as a result of COVID-19. Appointments had to be postponed and some patients have not felt comfortable going to the office yet. Others have avoided the dentist for years due to anxiety. Now that we are living through a pandemic, your next dental visit will look anything but normal. Your dentist in Braintree is taking numerous precautions to keep their patients as safe as possible while getting the care that they need.
What Happens When You Do Not Visit the Dentist?
- Plaque buildup: Even the most diligent brushers and flossers miss spots. When you visit your dental office, your hygienist will be able to remove plaque from hard to reach places. If this plaque is not removed, then it will turn into tartar which is difficult to get rid of on your own. Fortunately, your dentist has the tools necessary to deal with this hardened substance.
- Tooth decay: When plaque and tartar is left on your teeth, it will eventually lead to tooth decay and cavities. If it is not caught early on by your dentist, it could lead to additional, more serious issues.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis can be present without any pain, but if it is left untreated, it could turn into the periodontitis. This is a severe gum infection that can lead to serious health complications. When you see your dentist, he checks for early signs of gum disease so that it can be treated early on and prevent future issues.
- Tooth loss: If you have severe tooth decay or untreated advanced gum disease, your teeth can eventually fall out entirely. Regular visits to your dentist can catch these problems in their tracks before they become serious enough to cause tooth loss.
How Has the Dental Office Changed Since Your Last Appointment?
Dental offices always follow strict protocols for the safety of their patients. These measures have gotten even stricter in the past few months. If you have not been to the dentist since the start of the pandemic, here are a few things that you can expect:
- Additional PPE: Your dental staff has always worn personal protective equipment when treating their patients. Now, they are wearing even more. You can expect to see body gowns, KN95 respirators, Level 3 surgical masks, and face shields.
- Patient prescreening: Before patients are treated, they will be asked some questions about their current health and recent travel history. They will also have their temperature taken using a no-touch thermometer.
- Social distancing: Your dentist has taken several steps to enforce social distancing in the practice. This includes curbside check-in, having masks availability in the office, no waiting in the reception area, and plexiglass barriers.
No matter what your reason has been for not visiting your dentist, it is never too late to start, even during a pandemic. Your next appointment will look different, but it is all for your safety.
About the Author
Dr. Clark Ingoldsby and his team provide dental care to the Braintree area. Dr. Ingoldsby earned his dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and has now been in private practice for over 30 years. He is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. His practice is taking many new precautions to keep their patients safe from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (781) 843-7905.