This pandemic has left everyone with a lot of questions about what life after might look like. While most people are ready to return to a life that looks a little closer to normal, many still have anxieties over what that normal may look like, particularly when Florida’s case count keeps rising.
In the last three months, going to the dentist hasn’t been an option for most. And while you know the benefits and the necessity of having regular dental cleanings and check ups, we understand the renewed anxiety many are having.
Now that states are opening and health guidelines have been released, we have a clearer picture of what dentistry may look like after COVID-19.
Dentistry requires that the patient and dentist, oral surgeon, or hygienist sit very close to one another. COVID is known to spread from person to person easily, which is why we have been wearing masks outside for the last few months. So what do you do when you’re at the dentist and can’t wear a mask while they examine you?
First, don’t panic. Remember that Dr. Aller, and the staff at Miracle Smile, doesn’t want to be infected either! We are all in the same boat, and there are modifications that have been made by offices to make dental visits as safe as possible. Now, our offices has new sanitation protocols, more protective gear for the staff, and changes to the practice. In fact, you can view our Instagram for a video of Dr. Aller getting “suited up” for her patients.
While saliva is an unavoidable byproduct of dental procedures, we’re confident that our safety modifications will help prevent it from traveling through the air easily.
Another modification at Miracle Smile is the addition of an extra hygienist at one time for each patient. This speeds up the process and minimizes the amount of time that the patient spends in the chair. There are also high-evacuation suction devices that act as a vacuum pulling in the air near you and removing any potential infectious material from it. This makes the air around you cleaner protecting both you and your dental professionals.
We also ask that our patients not only use hand sanitizer, but rinse with hydrogen peroxide prior to their appointment, which is said to kill the virus. In high-risk cases (such as the elderly or immunocompromised), dental dams that can be used to separate the saliva from individual teeth during the appointment. We are also reducing the amount of equipment and tools in a room.
On top of making small changes to kill the virus or minimize the potential spread, our offices will be sanitized thoroughly between appointments. Because of this, Miracle Smile will offer fewer appointments each day (to allow time for cleaning). During busier hours, we may require patients to wait in their cars rather than the waiting room. This all helps the office stay cleaner and reduces the chance of the virus spreading.
Miracle Smile is also taking extra steps to sanitize doorknobs, instruments, countertops, seats, and every surface and tool that may have come into contact with the virus.
When it’s time for you to return to your dentist you can be sure that your risk of contracting the virus will be as minimal as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about how our offices are cleaned or our appointments are conducted, call our office today.