What to Expect When Your Dentist Reopens

Our lives have changed dramatically since COVID-19 surfaced in the United States. From social distancing to wearing masks while in public, life as you’ve known it isn’t the same. As the country reopens, you’ll likely see more differences than what you’re used to, like when visiting your dentist in Enterprise. If it has been a while since your last visit, here’s what you can expect during your appointment.

Higher Standard of Dental Care

As the rate of COVID-19 cases decline, dental offices around the country are reopening their doors for everyday services, like routine cleanings and checkups. While doors are opening, it’s not without significant change. Both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created a new standard of care:

Before Your Appointment

With social distancing essential to reducing the transmission of coronavirus, your dentist might implement a virtual waiting room. When arriving for your appointment, the dental team will perform a quick health assessment, in addition to reviewing your oral and medical history.

They will also limit the number of people allowed in the office at any time; however, block scheduling will still be available for families. To reduce people in the office, your dentist will book fewer appointments per day. This allows for more time in between patients to make it easier to keep your distance while also giving your dental team time to clean to reduce germs in the office.

During Your Appointment

When entering the office, you might be asked to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands. You might also be required to remove any outside gloves. Besides brushing and flossing your teeth, you may need to use an anti-microbial mouthrinse. Our dental team will also avoid shaking your hands and wear the appropriate personal protection to keep everyone safe. Besides gloves and masks, they may wear a face shield.

After Your Appointment

After your visit is over, your dental team will thoroughly clean and disinfect the office and instruments before the next patient arrives to prevent any illness from passing to others. If you start feeling ill within 14 days of your visit, it’s best to call your dental office to let them know, which may be crucial for tracing other cases.

After you leave, it’s best to stick to your oral hygiene habits at home to maintain your dental health in between appointments. This removes harmful bacteria in your mouth to keep your smile and body healthy.

About Tyler Schaffeld Dental

For over 40 years, we’ve provided comprehensive dental care to the community. Dr. Schaffeld offers compassionate care catering to each patient’s needs. He combines his expertise with the latest advancements in dentistry to deliver modern services. Dr. Schaffeld remains up to date with the latest methods and protocols to give his patients the highest level of care. He has implemented many changes in his office to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have any questions about our safety standards, please contact our office to speak with a member of our team.