So, you’ve been social distancing for a few weeks and you just remembered you had scheduled a dental appointment. You called your dentist and found out that they are currently closed. What do you do? If you were going in for your next cleaning, you might not be too worried. But if you’re in pain, or if you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, you might be. Here are a few avenues of care that can help you keep your smile healthy during self-quarantine.

• Hygiene Routine: If your dentist cancelled your cleaning, or if you just don’t feel comfortable braving the waiting room right now, you can take some extra steps to up your oral health routine at home and make sure it is hygienic. Add an extra brushing and flossing session to your routine. And if you aren’t -- make sure you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.
•  Emergency Appointments: If you have a serious cavity, need a root canal, or are in severe pain and can’t wait for your next appointment -- you might need an emergency dental appointment. Some dentists are remaining open for emergencies during COVID-19 shutdowns. If you have a dental emergency, you should call your dentist and see if they are accepting emergency appointments. If they are not, check your insurance carrier’s provider directory to find a dentist who is.
•  Teledentistry: Teledentistry has been gaining traction in the last few years, and even more so with COVID-19. Instead of going to the dentist’s office, you can work with a dentist to get an exam and dental advice via a FaceTime or Skype call – this way you can create a treatment plan with your dentist in the comfort and safety of your own home! It is going to continue to be a convenient and helpful option for those who can’t get into a dentist’s chair.

With COVID-19 controlling our routines, you might not be able to make it to your regularly scheduled dental appointment. But you have options to make sure you get the care you need and how to keep your smile healthy. As self-quarantine and social distancing become more prevalent in the coming weeks, make sure you are keeping your oral health in mind. If you need dental care during quarantine and you want dental insurance that covers teledentistry, schedule a consultation with Solstice today by clicking on the image below!