Like most other industries across the US and the world, the dental industry has been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. According to ADA, the American Dental Association, 90% of dental offices have opted to close except for emergency or urgent procedures, as per the guidelines directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The primary reason for this, is of course, because of the nature of how novel coronavirus is spread. It spreads primarily via respiratory droplets and how likely it is that the virus will spread in the dental setting.

Dental Offices in Pembroke Pines, Florida are more alert than ever in promoting Hygiene and Safety

The dental offices in Florida are open only for emergency cases and they’re taking extra precautions to make sure they carry out everything in a safe manner. The staff and dentists in Pembroke Pines are taking all the precautions, including having daily temperature checks and illness screenings and being required to change their clothing before entering or exiting the practice. The dentists and assistants will also wear more robust PPE equipment for higher-risk procedures including a hairnet, double mask, and shield over the mask, and long sleeve shirts as well as shoe covers.

Since dental workers are more at risk of infection than the patients, it is even more important to make sure that every patient that is getting treated is infection-free. The patients are asked to fill out a simple questionnaire the day before their visit and also when they arrive at the clinic. For added protection, the patients should expect to have their temperature taken and pulse oximeter reading is done before entering the clinic.

Any general guidelines to follow when dental issues arise?

Every doctor and cosmetic dentist in Pembroke Pines is doing their best to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control and the situation now is much better than what it was a few weeks back. It is recommended that you stay at home and get your issues resolved via telecommunication with the dentist. This is why there are a few general guidelines that you must follow if you face any dental issue.

• Dental Pain –  For dental pain, the key will be to see whether there is any swelling or if the pain continues. As with medicines, be sure to these instructions.

1. 1. For pain without swelling – Prefer common over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. You may take a combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. Contact your dentist about the appropriate dosage.
   2. For pain with swelling – Additionally with OTC pain medicines, you can also rinse your mouth with warm water for short-term relief.

• Fractured tooth, lost crown, lost filling

You will get OTC temporary filling material from the dental aisle of any pharmacy. These products are also available online and will be delivered to your home if you purchase them online.

• Broken or Ill-fitting dentures

Search for pharmacy for “denture reline kits” or “denture repair kits”.

• Gum, tongue, cheek, and lip pain

1. 1. For kids experiencing pain in the soft tissue areas, OTC pain medication can help. There are also many oral gels that offer relief to children.
   2. For adults that are experiencing pain without swelling, common medicated gels are available.

If you’re ever in doubt about your situation, never hesitate in reaching out to your dentist for help.