If you need a root canal, you might be worried about safety precautions right now. Many people are postponing dental procedures due to concern over Covid-19. That might seem like the smart thing to do. But, postponing a root canal can actually increase your risk for other dental problems. To protect your health, and your teeth, you should schedule your root canal as soon as possible; even the threat of Covid-19 hasn't passed yet. To ensure your safety, and the safety of your dental team, here are four tips for you to follow.
Provide a Complete Travel History
If you're going in for a root canal, it's important that you provide your dentist with complete travel history, especially all of the places you've been to in the past few weeks. Your travel history should include any out-of-state, or out-of-country trips you might have taken. You should also tell your dentist about any large group activities you might have participated in, especially those where masks weren't worn or social distancing wasn't possible. This information helps your dentist identify potential risk factors for Covid-19 exposure.
Quarantine Prior to Your Appointment
If you need to schedule your appointment for a root canal, be sure to give yourself time to quarantine. Because your dentist, and their team, will be working on your exposed mouth, it's important for you to quarantine for several days prior to your appointment. That way, you'll know that you're not experiencing any symptoms associated with the virus. If you do experience any symptoms, be sure to get tested as soon as possible. You should also reschedule your appointment until you get your test results back.
Ask Your Dentist About Safety Procedures
If you need to have a root canal, but you're worried about Covid-19 risks, ask your dentist about their safety procedures. Most dentists will provide information about the steps they take to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Some steps should include the use of full personal protection equipment, as well as disinfectant procedures after each patient visit.
Understand Your Root Canal Treatment Options
Finally, if you need to have a root canal right now, and you're worried about Covid-19, talk to your dentist about treatment options. There are some root canal procedure methods that reduce the number of aerosols that are produced during treatment. Reduced aerosol exposure can protect you, the dental team, and any other patients who are in the office.
Share19 October 2020
