In light of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients are wondering is it safe to go to the dentist, and whether to cancel or postpone their dental appointments.
While it is a recommended practice to stay home and avoid any mass gatherings, skipping or delaying a dental treatment in Ottawa could lead to a more serious and more expensive treatment down the road. That is why, at Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre, our professional dentists in Ottawa are determined to provide safe and timely dental care services to each of our patients.
Is it Safe to Go to the Dentist in Light of Coronavirus Concerns?
The short answer is: yes, it is completely safe to visit a dentist today, despite the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Ever since the AIDS virus was isolated, all dental offices are required to follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines of “Universal Precautions”. This means that every patient is treated as if they were infected with all pathogens.
- Masks and gloves are changed after each treatment, and hard surfaces are either wiped with anti-bacterial wipes and sprays or covered with new plastic wraps. All the instruments are also sterilized via pressured heat. So it is completely safe to go to the dentist!
- Healthcare workers, such as dentists, doctors, and staff, are determined to protect themselves at the workplace. They take every precaution possible to stay safe from the Coronavirus, as well as common influenza, which has a higher fatality rate than COVID-19 and kills thousands of people every year. This includes social distancing in the waiting rooms, wearing face shields, and following strict infection control protocols
Any patients with cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or those who have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days are at a higher risk of contracting the infectious disease, so they are told to postpone their appointments.
Same-Day Emergency Dental Services during COVID-19 Outbreak in Ottawa
At Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre, we work hard to ensure that our patients get high-quality emergency care during these difficult times. As such, we offer a wide range of same-day emergency dental services:
- Root Canal Procedure. “Root canal” is a natural cavity inside the tooth filled with pulp. The tooth nerve is also located within the root canal. A root canal procedure in Ottawa is performed to restore and save a tooth that experiences significant decay or infection. During the treatment, the pulp and the tooth nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleansed and sealed.
- Tooth Extractions. Tooth extractions in Ottawa are routine dental procedures performed to remove decayed or damaged teeth. Our dentists make every effort possible to preserve the natural tooth, but, sometimes, tooth extractions are unavoidable. Depending on which teeth were removed, they can be later replaced with a dental implant or another oral prosthetic.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal. Wisdom teeth removal in Ottawa is a common procedure. As wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they often cause overcrowding or are impacted in the bone, and, therefore, require extraction. Our dental clinic in Ottawa provides full services for wisdom teeth extraction for patients of any age.
Tooth Pain. Toothache or tooth pain is experienced when the nerve in the root of the tooth is irritated. It could be caused by dental infection, injury, decay, or loss of a tooth. If you experience severe tooth pain, it is crucial to visit an Ottawa dentist as soon as possible. - Tooth Infection and Abscess Treatment. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Tooth abscess could occur in different regions of the tooth for a variety of reasons and causes severe tooth pain. An emergency dentist treats tooth abscess by draining it and removing the infection. Your dentist could be able to save the tooth with a root canal treatment, even though sometimes a tooth may require extractions Leaving the dental infection untreated could lead to serious, life-threatening complications.
When to Visit a Dental Clinic in Ottawa
While you may be fine postponing non-crucial treatments, such as teeth whitening, you should visit a dental clinic ASAP if you:
- Have lost or broken a tooth
- Experience a severe pain or nagging toothache
- Have an infection
- Have loose teeth
- Experience bleeding
- Have swelling of your gums, face, or neck
These symptoms could signal a serious oral health condition that constitutes a dental emergency and could be dangerous if left untreated. It is safe to go to the dentist despite Coronavirus concerns, so don’t delay your visit.
COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
When do Ontario dentist offices reopen?
Dental practices and other essential businesses have been permitted to reopen as of June 2020, when Ontario has entered into Stage 2 of reopening.
Are dentists open during Coronavirus?
Yes, dental clinics are currently open in Ontario.
Is it safe to visit my dentist during the pandemic?
Yes, it is safe to go to the dentist. Dental clinics follow very strict procedures for infection prevention and control. They have implemented additional COVID-19 procedures to provide you with the safest care possible. They are determined to protect both the patients and the staff.
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms and require emergency dental care?
If you have a fever, cough, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
If you feel sick, don’t panic! Most people infected with Coronavirus experience only minor symptoms and do not require medical help. In fact, most people with similar symptoms test negative for COVID-19, as their symptoms are most likely due to seasonal allergies or common flu. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any symptoms you may experience and self-quarantine at home.
Do not visit a dentist before speaking to a healthcare professional.
Stay Safe and Healthy with Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre
At Rockcliffe Dental & Denture Centre, public health and patient well-being is our top priority. We are determined to take every precaution needed to make sure it is safe to go to the dentist, while providing a range of top-quality dental services, even during these difficult times. Stay safe, wear masks, and call your dentist if you think you require a dental clinic visit.
Contact us today to learn more about the precautions we are taking in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.
- Learn more about emergency dental services in Ottawa
- Learn more about general dentistry in Ottawa