We've not been to the dentist in a year and a half since our teeth could obviously not be checked while we were wearing our masks.
Now that we are all fully vaccinated we are visiting all the health professionals we have not seen in over a year. April has been filled with several appointments every week for the three of us. May will have a few more.
We went to the dentist last week and saw that a LOT of safety measures were in place. We had to wait outside on benches with people spaced 6 feet apart. There were hand sanitizers that you were to use as soon as you entered. A receptionist took your temperature and asked the usual COVID questions about fever, symptoms, travel, etc.
What used to be open doorways to separate rooms now had clear vinyl curtains. You were required to wear your mask at all times, except when they were working in your mouth.
This was a little air sucker-upper thingy that was placed next to you to suck up any aerosols you might be exhaling while the dentist or dental hygienist was working on your teeth.
It was really nice to see everybody again. The dentist said my teeth were doing OK for now though she thought I might be grinding my teeth. She also said this has been a time of teeth grinding so she understood.
Asked if Art might hear me grinding my teeth at night, I burst out laughing. She laughed also when I told her that wasn't possible since he falls asleep in 5 minutes or less.
I gave the dentist, the hygienist and the X-ray technician a mask I made to thank them for working through the pandemic although I was told they had to close for three months while safety mechanisms were put into effect.
They were all thrilled to get the masks which definitely made me feel extra happy.
I've been giving masks to many of the health care professionals we've been seeing this month. It feels like our way to say, "We're back, but safely."
Still putting it off. Now up to 2 years.
ReplyDeleteI'm still hesitant about going to a dentist. And I can't seem to find one nearby who takes Medi-Cal (the name for Medicaid in California).
ReplyDeleteStill putting it off here too.
ReplyDeleteI have been going to the dentist during Covid, hoping it was safe as they take many precautions.
ReplyDeleteWe went to the dentist shortly after we moved to NH. Lots of precautions in place there so we didn't have any concerns that we'd catch Covid. And we didn't. But each to his/her own level of risk.
ReplyDeleteA great and very thoughtful idea to give the masks Kay. Glad you are able to get to your appointments. We have several of our own to attend to now.
ReplyDeleteToday at 3pm, tomorrow at 10am will be my fifth & sixth appts since January. Covid has played no role in my going or not going, had to wait 2 years for my tmjd to settle. I love my new dentist, everyone in her office uses face mask and acrylic Shields, and spray & clean constantly. That was nice to bring masks Kay, I want to do something for mine 🙂
ReplyDeleteI've been to the dentist twice since the start of the pandemic! Our hygienist years before were wearing masks and face shields so this didn't change anything for them. The only changes are that we have to socially distance in the waiting room and the dentist himself now wears a face shield and not just a mask as he had before. We also have to answer a questionnaire before hand I assume to weed out those who have been undergoing risky behavior.
ReplyDeleteI know one dental office who closed for a month per state mandate at the beginning of the covid spread. They opened back up with lots of precautions in place. I went to one recommended by my son, and they had similar precautions in place.
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday, I went to the local community college's dental hygiene clinic. I've used them for years since it's the school I received my RN from and I love to help out the students. For $10, they do everything but cavities, and it's overseen by the professor AND a dentist. The only requirement is that I live in the county, and I'm willing to stay for 3-4 hours for them to talk about the student's plan, and recheck every step. I've found it's also an interesting way to find out if your regular dentist is too "drill-happy" or planning unnecessary procedures! The school clinic even did $1200 worth of scaling 2 years ago, all for $10! Check your local community colleges for such benefits. They are wonderful. They're usually holding clinics 1-3 times a week, only on M-F school days, usually only in the spring or fall semesters. Mine developed 3 graduating classes of students, with clinics until 9 p.m. to get them all trained around the covid challenges. (It's a 2-year program for the students.)
Yep, they added that funny funnel to suck out the covid cootie aerosols that might be hanging in the air. I think the suction used to remove water from my mouth was stronger...Linda in cavity-free Kansas
its nice as little things turn more normal!
ReplyDeleteI had to get a crown and then went back for a regular check up recently. My dental office doesn't allow people to wait in the waiting room, makes you fill out a questionnaire and also has one of those new contraptions. I felt safer in there than in the local grocery store the last time I went in months ago. I saw so many noses there! How nice of you to give them masks. Dental/medical offices usually get nothing but complaints and negative interactions.
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean. I really need to see a dentist for cleanings and my dermatologist for annual cancer screenings. It is such a relief to now be able to tend to those things.
ReplyDeleteThat sucker upper thing was new to me. Can see the value of one. So thoughtful of you to give them the masks.
I started going to the dentist again late last year after 3 years of not going. It was not just Covid - it was dreading the dentist. And of course they found lots of cavities and work needing to be done. Root canals, crowns, fillings. My fault. I must admit though, that my dentist is fantastic and makes the visit as comfortable as possible. When he works on my teeth, he puts a sort of trampoline in my mouth and that catches everything that might fall into my mouth. He has gentle and precise hands and my teeth are almost good as new now. Just one more (I hope) appointment and I am done for the year.
ReplyDeleteSo nice of you to give them your masks! My sister does the same and the technicians and nurses love them.
Wow, look at you and your little professional looking mask packaging! Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteI had to go to the dentist last November in order to have clearance for my hip replacement. I have had many medical appointments through out the pandemic.
I managed to see my dentist once during this time. All those safety measures were going strong.
ReplyDeleteExcept it was winter and I waited in my car.
DeleteIt's going to be a while before I visit my dentist.
ReplyDeleteSimilar measures here. I had a checkup in January, the first in a year.
ReplyDeleteWe've amazing protocols in place here. I've been to the dentist twice since COVID>
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