Dentistry after Covid 19

We all know Covid-19 is a 'Black Swan' Event in our lives.. 
Dentists and Dentistry is in a period of Flux.
Its a time to Reflect, Revive and Restart.

                We being Healthcare providers are at the fore front of this and also at maximum risk to the infection.  Because of this risk, we have had to shut down our practices for a great financial loss to ourselves. Health is definitely above wealth.

            Now that we are now thinking ahead and thinking of restarting our practices in a matter of weeks from now atleast for emergency cases and less aerosol practice, 
the focus has now shifted to how to open up and still feel safe of the infection in our practice.

The guidelines have been issued and are being modified by DCI, IDA, CDC and various other bodies on what to do and what not. 

The only thing left is for us to make a choice - 

- How we should implement it. 
- Is it possible for all practices to implement all the guidelines. 
- Do we have such big practices that we can put up a traige area, changing room and waiting area and what not.
- Also we have different types of clientele. Is it possible for every patient to bear the cost of the new guidelines and that too for every visit. 

Or will it lead to a permanent change on how dentistry is practised. 
Will we see more of group practices or will it pave a way for Dental Insurance to enter in a big way.. 

What all problems will it lead to? Will the virus make a comeback because the guidelines were not followed properly.? Will it lead to persecution of the patient or the practice if a positive case is found out?

Well I guess we will have to wait for all the answers.. 

But Be positive. Remember - Whatever happens, happens for Good. 

Dental Care in times of COVID-19

In these Hard times, when almost half of the world is Locked down in homes, one thing that normally misses our attention is the Dental Care or Oral Health Care. 

That can change quickly if you suddenly have a cavity or pain and you struggle to find a dentist whos working.

Generally speaking - All that is required is to brush twice a day and Floss once. 

Diet Matters

What you eat is Very Important.. 

Avoiding excessive snacking — a habit that’s all too easy to adopt when dealing with the stress and boredom inherent in self-quarantining.

Starchy foods or drinks lead to acid in our mouths, which dissolves tooth surfaces.

The more often our teeth are bathed in these acids, the weaker and softer they become.

Good hydration also is important for oral health, dentists agree.

        Resist turning to unhealthy habits to manage your stress. Overindulging in smoking and drinking can be detrimental to oral health. Smoking inhibits the blood supply to your gums and increases your risk for gum infections. High exposure to alcohol can dry out the cells in your cheeks and gums. Chewing on ice, pen caps, or fingernails as a means of stress management can cause the teeth to chip or break.

Keep your toothbrush clean

If you suspect that COVID-19 is present in your home, disinfect your toothbrush.

Every time we flush the toilet, we generate an aerosol spray.  Most people leave their brushes and other toiletries merely inches away from commodes. Try to flush with the lid closed. Keep your floss pics, brushes, and tongue cleaners covered. Soaking them in a mixture of mouthwash and hydrogen peroxide also keeps them safe.

Dental care emergencies only

As COVID-19 spreads, the Indian Dental Association advised dental offices on March 16 to restrict their operations to emergency procedures only.

Dentists have been prohibited from providing nonemergency services, including aesthetic work, exams, cleanings, and fillings.

This accomplishes three very important things - It preserves the nationwide supply of personal protective equipment for our front-line heroes, prevents the spread of this virus through congregating in dental offices, and eliminates the need for dental emergency patients from flooding into emergency rooms that are better used fighting the virus.

Many dentists including us have turned to Online/Telephonic consultation to counsel patients by phone or video conferencing.

Dentists face one of the highest risks of contracting coronavirus, even greater than nurses or paramedics.  They literally work 6 inches away from our patients’ faces during dental procedures.

As a result, expect your dentist to take additional safety measures if you do have to make a visit for an emergency procedure — for your protection as well as the safety of the dentist and their staff.

Honesty is the Best Policy

        I have found my ability and the need to relate honestly is both a virtue and a curse. People who know you well may tend to trust you more if you are known for your honesty, since what they see and hear is what they get.

         People who meet you for the first time, not so much. Often people meeting someone new tend to "judge a book by it's cover, even when the cover doesn't project what's really inside. Personally I prefer to be truthful in my interactions with others. I may sometimes not tell others my every thought ( a sin of omission) but I really try to be truthful in my communications. This has for the most part worked out well but not in every instance.

             My patients who know me well, tend to know that I give them my best and most honest advice. I don't always paint an overly optimistic picture, but they can rely on me to be truthful and they know if I recommend a procedure, I truly believe it is their best option.

                  Sometimes this trait doesn't sit well with new patients who sometimes are hoping for a particular treatment plan that can be accomplished fast and good, in the most economical manner. This can at times happen, but some patients have unrealistic expectations and I will not mislead them into starting treatment with me without a discussion of what is their best option. I may include a second and even third option, but if what they want is something I can't in good conscience offer, I won't do it. These patient's either adjust their expectations or go somewhere else.

                 Sometimes  they tell me how a previous dentist was able to accomplish some dental magic, but to my mind the way that that dentist handled their treatment is not how I want to approach their treatment. Personally I enjoy sleeping soundly at night and dislike treatments that seem to be temporary in nature and may lead to worse problems. After all teeth don't grow on trees and implants are expensive replacements.