FEELING SICK?

FEELING SICK? SHOULD YOU CANCEL YOUR DENTIST APPOINTMENT?

Whether you hate cancelling an appointment or have a dental issue and really need to see the dentist, you may need to ask yourself if it is best for you, the dental staff and other patients, to visit the dentist when you are sick.

 How Sick are You?

If something like a headache is making you feel unwell, you are still able to make the appointment as a headache will only test your individual discomfort tolerance. However, contagious illnesses, such as Covid, the Variants, Colds, flu, is a different story. If you are coughing and sneezing, you can possibly pass your illness on to someone else in the dentist’s office or the staff.

Contact Your Dentist If You Are Sick

If your illness is contagious, it is best to contact your dentist’s office and let them know the situation. They can either reschedule your appointment or take other precautions to accommodate your illness. Either way it is recommended to phone and find out what their policy is regarding sick patients.


If you do go for your appointment, it is important to let the dental staff know how sick you are and follow any procedures recommended by the staff.



The biggest issue when visiting the dentist when you are sick is congestion. As breathing through your mouth is not an option when you are in the dentist’s chair, the experience can be uncomfortable and difficult for the patient and the dentist to efficiently do their job.

Steps You can Take to Avoid getting Others Sick:

  • Using a handkerchief or covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands when you arrive
  • Carry hand sanitizer and sanitize before and after touching anything in the dentist’s office
  • Avoid direct contact with others
  • Tell staff you are contagious

You should never cancel an appointment unless you have a good reason, as you could be liable for a cancellation fee. However, if you have a contagious illness, you don’t want to spread it. Following the above advice will give you the best opportunity to see the dentist without infecting others and be as comfortable as possible during the visit.

 

Many people are hesitant to call and reschedule dental appointments if they are not feeling well. We appreciate the value these patients place on our time and that they don’t want to leave us with unfilled appointments.


However, there are some situations where it is important that patients call to reschedule their appointments with Dr Thompson



1. If you have active cold sores–Any time we are working in and around the mouth saliva can be transferred to your eyes or open wounds, or to the eyes and wounds on a member of the dental team. The herpes virus can then damage these areas.

2. 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.

3. If you have a heavy cough or congestion. You will not be comfortable with keeping your mouth open for a prolonged period and the bacteria or virus will be airborne, thus possibly infecting the dental team.
 
We thank you for your thoughtfulness and wish you good health.


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