The ADA and CDC have released official statements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that are encouraging dentists across the nation to postpone elective and preventive care in order to slow the spread of the virus. Fortunately, thanks to teledentistry, you can address any oral health problems without breaking your self-isolation. With technology-driven dental care, your dentist in Columbia can ease your worries and make sure that one small oral health problem doesn’t develop into something serious.
Why Are Dental Offices Closed During COVID-19?
In an official statement released by the American Dental Association, they encourage dentists across the nation to shut their doors and reduce the traffic flow through their offices to protect their staff, patients, and themselves. Because COVID-19 is spread via droplets being exposed to the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth), dentists and their staff are among the most vulnerable people to contract COVID-19, especially if they were still seeing patients every day.
With this new recommendation, dentists have canceled and postponed all elective procedures, such as checkups and cleanings, and are only offering in-office emergency treatment. This is in an effort to keep local ER’s from flooding with patients who could otherwise be treated better at an actual emergency dentist’s office.
What is Teledentistry?
Telehealth has been slowly gaining popularity over the decade, and recently, many medical professionals, including dentists, have been forced to shut their doors. Instead of leaving their patients in the dark during these unknown times, they’re switching to virtual health care. That way, they can address any unusual symptoms and make patients aware of whether or not they require emergency dental treatment. Not only is it a safe and effective way to practice dentistry, but it also offers a variety of additional benefits for patients, including:
- Easy accessibility for rural patients
- Cost-effective monitoring of oral health
- Ability to provide quick pain relief with immediate prescriptions and guidance
- Fast and easy assessment of problems
What Virtual Services is Your Dentist Offering During the Pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, your dentist in Columbia is going digital and offering virtual consultations as well as emergency evaluations to determine whether you need to visit their office for urgent treatment.
You don’t have to be left in the dark when it comes to the status of your oral health thanks to teledentistry. In these scary and unsure times, an oral problem can be stressful to sit with and be left undiagnosed. But, thanks to virtual dental care, you can make sure that your mouth stays happy and healthy while you self-isolate.
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care, we offer the expertise and care of four highly experienced and friendly dentists via virtual consultations and appointments. We understand that a small dental issue can develop into something bigger and more dangerous when left unaddressed, which is why we look forward to providing the information you need and immediate care, if necessary. To schedule a virtual consultation, visit our website or call 931-388-8452.