Whether you can go to the dentist with COVID-19 is no. Dental settings are considered a high-risk environment for virus transmission due to the nature of the procedures performed. Many common dental treatments, such as those involving high-speed drills, ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes, are classified as aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). These tools create a fine mist of saliva, blood, and water droplets that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, potentially carrying SARS-CoV-2. Attending an appointment while actively infected poses a significant risk of exposing the dentist, hygienist, and support staff, as well as subsequent patients, to the virus.
Immediate Steps If You Test Positive or Have Symptoms
Upon testing positive or developing symptoms, immediately contact your dental provider via phone or email. You should not attempt to enter the office building, even just to cancel, as this increases the risk of contamination. Full disclosure of your positive test result or symptoms, such as fever, cough, or respiratory issues, is important to protect the entire dental practice and community.
Be prepared to provide the date your symptoms began, or the date of your positive test if you are asymptomatic. This information allows the dental office to determine the appropriate period for rescheduling your visit. The practice has a right to refuse non-emergency service to a patient who is actively infectious to maintain a safe environment.
The dental office will cancel your appointment and reschedule it for a later date when you are no longer considered infectious. You should inquire about the office’s specific cancellation policy, though many practices will waive any late cancellation fees in cases of acute illness.
Determining When You Are Cleared to Return
The decision to return for routine or non-urgent dental care is based on specific health criteria. You must meet two conditions before you are considered safe to return for an elective procedure. The first condition is the resolution of your acute illness symptoms.
You should not have a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and your other symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, should be improving overall. This symptom-based approach is used for respiratory viruses.
The second condition relates to the duration since your illness began. For non-urgent follow-up care following a confirmed infection, it is often recommended that at least seven days have passed since your symptoms first appeared. If your illness was severe or you are immunocompromised, the required waiting period may be longer, up to 10 or 20 days.
Once you meet these criteria, you should confirm your clearance with the dental office before booking a new appointment. Upon returning to the dental setting, you will likely be asked to wear a well-fitting mask as an added layer of protection within the healthcare environment.
Protocols for Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is a situation where the need for treatment outweighs the risk of delay, even if you are actively infected with COVID-19. True emergencies include conditions like uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma, or severe pain and swelling that may indicate a spreading infection or abscess. Elective procedures, like routine cleanings or cosmetic work, must wait.
If you have an emergency, you must still call the dental office or an emergency dental provider first and clearly disclose your COVID-19 status. You should not simply show up at the office unannounced, as the staff will need time to prepare for your arrival.
The dental team will implement enhanced infection control protocols to manage the risk of transmission during your treatment. These measures often include treating the patient in a dedicated isolation room and utilizing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 respirators, face shields, and gowns. Some offices may schedule patients with confirmed infections at the end of the day to allow for maximum air ventilation and cleaning time before subsequent patients arrive.