by Steve Gray, DDS

         So far, receiving dental care has not been linked to the spread of COVID-19 among dental staff or communities. The increase in PPE, detailed screening protocols, use of air purification systems and uncompromising sterilization procedures has been very effective. At Ann Arbor Smiles, we have had roughly 5,500 total visits and 2,600 cleanings since reopening in June with zero known transmissions of COVID-19 to patients or staff. Those with concerns about the safety of visiting a dental office can call a local dentist or the Michigan Dental Association to learn about the measures that have been put into place to assure their safety and get the confidence to return to routine care.

         Delaying dental care can lead to much more costly and invasive treatment such as periodontal therapy (gum disease), root canals or dental implants. Seeing a dentist at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning is still the best preventive recommendation. The link between poor oral health and other systemic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes is widely accepted by both medical and dental professionals.

         Many dentists encountered an overflow of work in the months that followed reopening—some of which could have been prevented by earlier intervention. As recently reported in the New York Times, many dentists report seeing a steep increase in the number of cracked or fractured teeth. Most of these teeth can be saved with crowns or conservative onlay restorations, but the longer these fractures are allowed to damage the tooth without treatment, the less likely that is. For some patients, there are concerns about the costs associated with dental care, but there are many options available for patients with and without insurance coverage.

         Those with dental insurance may have unused benefits remaining due to the extended closing of dental offices. The last few months of the year can be a great time to use those benefits if they expire on December 31. For those without dental insurance, some dental offices provide an in-house dental savings plan that can save individuals and families hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. Many employers also offer a health savings or flexible spending account that can be used for dental health care. Also, there are special financing programs like CareCredit or LendingTree which provide zero-percent financing for 12 months at participating offices.

         For those that may be suffering from a cracked or broken tooth, or are simply overdue for a preventive visit, the best thing to do is to call a local dentist and begin receiving care again. Dental professionals have worked very hard alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration office to ensure patients can return safely to their local dental office.

Dr. Steve Gray, DDS, is a general dentist at Ann Arbor Smiles, with two locations in Ann Arbor. He has a focus on cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, full-mouth restorative care and computerized CAD/CAM restorations. For appointments and more info, visit AnnArborSmiles.com.