5 COVID-19 Concerns of At-Risk Patients

There’s still much to learn about COVID-19, but we know the virus can affect anyone; however, there are certain people who have a higher risk of serious complications. Although some people may never show any signs of illness, others can suffer potentially deadly complications because of underlying conditions. If you’re an at-risk patient, you’ve probably been taking extra precautions to stay healthy, which means you might not be visiting your dentist in Waterbury regularly. Your dentist understands your situation. Here are 5 common concerns of at-risk patients and what your dentist is doing to keep you healthy.

Am I at risk of COVID-19 complications?

Healthcare professionals don’t know everything about coronavirus, but they know it can cause serious complications for adults who are elderly or have a weakened immune system from underlying conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. As a result, it’s recommended at-risk patients take extra precautions, like practicing social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment.

Should I wait to see my dentist?

To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental offices have closed their doors to nonurgent services. As the country reopens, many dental offices are starting to see patients for routine care, like cleanings and checkups. If it’s time for your semi-annual appointment, it’s normal to have some apprehensions about your safety, but you have nothing to fear. Dental offices are already some of the cleanest places, and your dentist has also implemented new safety protocols to create sterile environments for their patients.

How is my dentist keeping me safe?

Your dentist has made several changes to the daily operations within their office, like cleaning more often and using no-contact temperature checks. The office staff will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and undergo daily health checks to ensure they can safely provide you with the care you need. Your dentist has also made several changes to help patients keep their distance from one another, so there’s less risk of exposure.

How can I social distance at the dentist?

Social distancing is essential to reducing the spread of COVID-19. Believe it or not, it is possible to keep your distance at the dentist. Besides a virtual waiting room, your dentist is also seeing fewer patients each day to reduce the number of people in the office at one time. Patients will always be kept at least 6 feet away from one another and protective barriers will also be used.

Is a mask really necessary?

A medical mask is essential for reducing the transmission of the virus, especially for at-risk patients. It not only protects yourself, but others as well because you can spread the virus without having any symptoms.

Maintain a Healthy Smile

If you’re at-risk of COVID-19, speak with your dentist about your concerns. They’ll take additional measures to keep you safe while ensuring your smile stays healthy.

About Waterbury Smiles

Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini are committed to keeping patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office has made several changes to combat the spread of the virus. If you have any questions about our safety protocols, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.