Dentist

[ubsk]

Hey everyone. I'm in the states, and I've been isolating since the start of the pandemic, but had to go in for my annual check up at the dentist last week. Long story short, I have to have some fillings replaced later this week, and will be in the chair for a good couple of hours. I'll need to return briefly the following week to have a permanent crown set in.

Dental anxiety is something I've always had, but on top of that I'm worried about catching COVID. Everyone at the office is masked, but there are other patients that will be worked on in separate rooms (but no doors) and I worry about aerosols getting into the air and circulating throughout the office. Additionally, school will be starting the week I'll have to have my crown, and I know my dentist will be sending their kids back, so I'm worried about potentially catching it if he is exposed by them.

I'm trying to tell myself that since patients are in other rooms, it would be difficult to spread, and even if the dentist is exposed, the mask will prevent them from spreading it.

Am I worrying for no reason?

[ubsk]

Anyone? Really anxious about this :( Last time I had dental work this extensive, I didn't sleep at all the night before. Worried that'll happen again and be bad for my immune system.

[Meglen]

I would suggest that you call them and tell
them your thoughts. Maybe you can go in earlier or later or not during a busy time frame. You should be fine with moving air inside (A\C) and the wall separation. Maybe bring a mask that you can wear in between them working on you?
is this something that you need ASAP or can you put it off for a few months?
if your case count is low in your area I am sure that you will be fine, but to put your mind at ease, maybe postpone or cal them? Good luck :)

[WiredIncorrectly]

I recently had an extraction. Still a hole there but it's healing. I had the same worries. The dentist I used were well prepared. The nurses use masks, the chair is cleaned thoroughly, as are the floors, handles etc etc. The tools they use are opened fresh from a packet - this is normal even without COVID.

The dentists do not want to catch COVID as much as you and they take serious precautions to protect themselves and you. It's best for your own dental health that you grit your teeth (no pun intended lol) and get it over and done with. Once you're in the chair you'll feel more relaxed. I'm like you and hate dentists. Got to have 2 more out once this one has healed up. They're wisdoms. Not really scared anymore after the last extraction.

[Fishmanpa]

My wife and I had several appointments earlier this year and from my experience, we felt very comfortable and safe. They took every precaution. Most medical and dental facilities are doing the same to protect their patients and themselves.

FMP

[brahmasick1]

I also was afraid of catching COVID a lot back then. And I did catch it but most probably not from a place I considered dangerous. Thankfully it was a mild case, but you can never know where you will get the disease from since it's basically everywhere. I had a doctor's appointment in 2020, too, and it was in https://www.miamiperio.com/procedures/all-on-4-implants. I was concerned about safety, too, but the measures they took were more than enough, and it would be almost impossible for the virus to get to me. I like this clinic because it has the best customer service and cares about you.

[Lencoboy]

I also was afraid of catching COVID a lot back then. And I did catch it but most probably not from a place I considered dangerous. Thankfully it was a mild case, but you can never know where you will get the disease from since it's basically everywhere.

But at least it's not killing as many people now compared to both pre-Omicron and pre-vaccines (thank God), otherwise we would no doubt still be having restrictions to this very day.