San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Update: Glen Park Dental deeply cares for the safety and well-being of their patients, and team. Based on recommendations from the ADA and CDC, our practice is temporarily providing emergent dental care only, as of Thursday, March 19, 2020. Our practice aims to resume normal business operations April 8, 2020. Please call (415) 585-1500 if you experience a dental emergency over the next few weeks, or if you have any questions. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information regarding our practice hours and availability.
As the news continues to cover the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the citizens of the U.S. are becoming concerned about daily activities and how the virus could affect their schedule. During a time of uncertainty, it could be challenging to know if it is safe to keep your dental appointments. Your family dentists in the Bay Area at Glen Park Dental are sharing important information about how we are protecting our patients, and staff, as well as what to know about dental visits during the coronavirus pandemic.
What should I know about the pandemic and how can I protect myself?
First, as the CDC and government officials have already addressed, panic over the pandemic is not necessary. Remaining calm and continuing good hygiene practices such as washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds regularly, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and immediately disposing of it, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding close contact with those who become ill could help reduce your risk of infection. If you begin to run a fever, cough, sneeze or have shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention from your primary care provider.
Individuals who are elderly or who have extensive or underlying health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, or hypertension need to take extra precautions as they could be at a higher risk of contracting the virus resulting in additional health complications. However, if you are otherwise a healthy person, you are in a lower risk category and should keep your appointment with your leading dental provider in San Francisco.
Should I cancel my appointment during the coronavirus pandemic?
No, it is not necessary to cancel your dental appointment unless you are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or are otherwise ill. Just as the CDC is warning citizens of the virus, it also warns of the serious conditions of gum disease. There are strong connections between gum health and overall health, including the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Missing a regularly scheduled dental appointment for cleanings could increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Canceling your appointment could exasperate your condition, creating additional health concerns that could cause an increased health risk for contracting COVID-19. Therefore, it is important you maintain your oral health and keep your dental appointment as long as you are well and not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Should I still go to the dentist if I have a dental emergency?
Although some emergencies are more critical than others, it is important to address the situation. If there is an infection in your mouth, it could spread to your brain or heart, causing a life-threatening condition. Therefore, you must visit your dentist when you have dental pain or other emergencies such as a broken crown or cracked tooth to prevent additional health issues. However, if you currently show symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact our Bay Area dental office before your appointment to speak with someone privately about your situation.
How is Glen Park Dental protecting its patients and staff during the coronavirus outbreak?
The dental staff at Glen Park Dental have been fully trained in OSHA standards for regular sanitization and sterilization of the patient rooms, equipment, and tools used during appointments. Whether there is a viral outbreak or not, your professional dental staff at Glen Park Dental keeps your overall health and safety a top priority. Between patient appointments, the rooms are disinfected with EPA-approved chemicals that kill bacteria, viruses, and blood-borne pathogens. This is a necessary disinfecting measure that we have practiced since before the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, each team member is required to adhere to the CDC’s protocol of hand hygiene before and after working with each patient to reduce contamination. The team at Glen Park Dental has the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitization processes to ensure the health and safety of their patients and staff, so you can rest assured you will experience professional services in a clean dental office in San Francisco.
Dental Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Healthy individuals are encouraged to maintain regular daily activities, including dental checkups and cleanings. If you have questions or concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and how it could affect your dental health, feel free to call Glen Park Dental at (415) 585-1500 or contact us online for more information.
