As oral health specialists, we’ve always incorporated our patients’ medical and health histories into the services we provide. Why? Because everything from asthma to diabetes can impact your dental health. Understanding the risk factors you have, the medications you take, and undiagnosed symptoms you’re struggling with often play into the type of dental care we recommend.
So, it’s no surprise that COVID-19 has greatly impacted the way we screen and review our patients’ health histories. As health providers, we often play detective work when it comes to identifying underlying medical conditions, their causes, and what you can do to treat them. When it comes to COVID-19, our office plays a critical role in “slowing the spread” and “flattening the curve.”
One of the things you’ll notice us doing — both for your safety as well as that of our staff and other patients — is performing brief health screenings prior to your arrival and then again once you get here for an appointment. Pre-visit COVID screenings ensure that there’s no added risk to other guests, staff, or people in the general vicinity.
What are some of the questions we’ll ask you? You can expect a brief survey such as:
- Have you traveled outside of the United States in the past month?
- Have you been around anyone who was sick?
- Are you experiencing symptoms of a cough or fever?
If so, we’ll reschedule your appointment for at least another two weeks out, which meets self-isolating standards per regulatory health agencies. We can also help you identify nearby testing facilities, if needed. When it comes to pandemics, you can’t be too safe! That’s why we pre-screen when we’re calling to confirm your appointment and then again once you arrive for your scheduled procedure. Why? Because your health can change on a daily basis. It’s important to catch the warning signs early.
Although each individual is thoroughly screened before we begin a procedure, we also take steps to manage aerosols and cross-contamination risks as if every person were infected. That way there’s an extremely minimal risk to anyone on our staff, other patients in the building, or the person who is scheduled after you. We believe that by incorporating rigid processes and infection control measures, it’s possible to continue providing high-quality dentistry in a safe environment.
And as always, we’ll continue typical medical screenings as part of your exam. Why? Because numerous health issues present symptoms inside of your mouth. You could have undiagnosed medical conditions you’re not aware of, that link back to evidence throughout your oral cavity!
The oral-systemic health connection is strong. At our periodontist’s office in The Woodlands, we’re just as committed to your overall wellness and lifestyle as we are the integrity of your smile. If you’re looking for a gum or implant specialist near you, we encourage you to call. Flexible scheduling is available at both our locations in The Woodlands and Conroe.
