Can I go to the dentist if I have the flu?
If you’re not currently coughing or sneezing but have done so over the past few days, you might still have a contagious illness, since you can spread the flu to others for a full week. When you’re contagious, your best bet is to contact the dentist’s office. Ask them about their policy for these situations.
Can I cancel my dentist appointment?
The Basics of Cancelling a Dentist’s Appointment You should never cancel an appointment unless you have a good reason. After all, you’ve scheduled office time with a health care professional and they’ve reserved that time for you.
What should you do if you are sick at the dentist?
Dentists have differing opinions about sick patients. Some want you to keep your appointment while others will ask you to reschedule. If you do show up for your appointment, follow the procedures recommended by the staff. Something you should tell them is if you have congestion.
What should you do when you first enter the dentist’s office?
The first thing you should do when you enter the dentist’s office is wash your hands. If that’s not possible, bring a wet wipe and some hand sanitizer with you, and use them instead. After you’ve signed in and sat down, sanitize your hands again.
Can you go to the dentist with the flu?
Yes, you can go to the dentist if you are sick. However, if you are throwing-up, have a fever, or if you are contagious, you should not visit the dentist.
Should I go to the dentist if I have Covid symptoms?
Let your dental office know if you start feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of your appointment. You could have been carrying the virus at that time and possibly have spread it to other people. The best way to protect yourself and others from a possible COVID-19 infection is to get a vaccine.
Can I go to the dentist if I am congested?
You have the sniffles, a cough, and other common cold symptoms - if possible, plan ahead and reschedule your visit. Again, not only can you be contagious, but if you are feeling congested this might make basic dental cleanings and procedures more uncomfortable if you can't breathe properly.
Should I cancel my dentist appointment if I have a sore throat?
If you have been diagnosed with an infection such as tonsillitis or strep throat, we'd rather you reschedule your appointment for your own comfort as well as the health of others. To keep yourself comfortable at home, try gargling with saltwater every couple of hours.
How has Covid affected dentistry?
Imposed closure of dental practices, reduced capacity upon reopening, and public reluctance to visit their dental practices have all contributed and will continue to contribute to a profound drop in income, while costs associated with infection control have increased.
Does Covid affect the gums?
COVID-19 Lockdown and Limited Access to Oral Healthcare These closures resulted in many patients not receiving proper dental care and maintenance, which can result in tooth loss, tooth decay, teeth and gum disease, and other dental issues.
What happens when you sneeze at the dentist?
If you feel a sneeze coming on in the operatory, leave the operatory. If someone sneezes or coughs in the operatory, after they leave follow the same universal/standard precautions you follow for cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces.
Can you go to the dentist with pneumonia?
If you have a headache, feel a bit weak or have a tummy ache, you can likely keep your dental appointment. Consider taking pain relief medication prior to the appointment. However, if you have the flu, pneumonia or another serious illness, cancel your appointment.
Can you get teeth pulled while sick?
Tooth Extraction Is Usually Safe with a Head Cold Whatever your reason, you may not have to reschedule your extraction or oral surgery. If you are certain you only have a simple head cold and you feel up to having the procedure, we may be able to perform your extraction.
Should I reschedule my dentist appointment if I have a cold?
If you have an active cold or flu–If you are in the early stages of a cold or any stage of the flu, please reschedule. It is better for your health and the health of the dental team.
Are you allowed to go to the dentist with a sore throat?
Going to the dentist if you have a sore throat is usually okay. If you are getting over a cold and feel OK to have your check up/polish or treatment then it usually isn't a problem.
Can you have dental work with strep throat?
Instruct patient/client to reschedule dental hygiene appointment when s/he feels well AND when antibiotic therapy has been initiated for at least 24 hours (and preferably until the full course of antibiotic treatment has been completed) if strep throat has been diagnosed.
What is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is highly contagious. It is caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus.
Should I reschedule my dental appointment?
In very rare cases, the virus can be spread to a member of the dental team. Even though we use “universal precautions”, and strict barrier techniques, there is always a chance of transferring the virus.
The Degree of Sickness
If you have a headache, feel a bit weak or have a tummy ache, you can likely keep your dental appointment. Consider taking pain relief medication prior to the appointment. However, if you have the flu, pneumonia or another serious illness, cancel your appointment.
Consider the Possibility of Spreading Illness to Others
If you are contagious, do not step foot in the dentist 's office unless you have a legitimate oral health emergency. Those who have the flu or any other type of contagious virus should stay at home until they feel better. Otherwise, dentist office staff members and fellow patients might end up infected.
How to Proceed if You Keep Your Dental Appointment
If you experience congestion or any other type of malady, let the dentist know ahead of your appointment. This forewarning is essential as there are some types of dental procedures that can't be performed if a patient is struggling to breathe through the nostrils. Some such procedures require the mouth to be occupied during exams or treatments.
When in Doubt, Communicate With Your Dentist and Play It Safe
Above all, it is important that you communicate with the dentist's office. If you are on the fence as to whether you should hold your appointment, contact the dentist's office, explain your condition and try to get a sense as to whether your illness is the type that commonly causes a cancellation.
Tracking Lost Revenue
Handling dental patients rescheduling is a daily event. At least, for those who work at the dental front office. Patients schedule appointments for dental care. Then those same patients call to reschedule their appointments. The best you can hope for is that they give you at least 2 days’ notice. Because that’s what we ask.
Handling Dental Patients Rescheduling Short Notice
Dental appointments rescheduled short notice cost the office the most. I’m going to define short notice as less than 2 business days. If a patient gives us 2 days’ notice, that’s an appointment time we can fill. The challenge for us is when we don’t have much time, and a million other things pulling on our sleeve.
Action Plan
There are always going to be dental patients rescheduling . And there are always going to be those dental patients who reschedule short notice. It doesn’t have to ruin your day. Putting some additional safety nets in place will help you save the day.
Handling Dental Patients Rescheduling With Great Time Management
Open appointment times take priority. If an appointment opens today, we want to work on filling that time immediately. Everything else can wait. If an appointment time opens tomorrow, that certainly needs to be taken care of too. However, it is not quite as urgent as today. And 2 days out, gives us lots of time to make some magic happen.
