Generally, you should not go to the dentist when you are sick. This protects you, the dental staff, and other patients from potential illness transmission. A dental office is a healthcare setting that must maintain strict infection control protocols. Rescheduling prioritizes your recovery and helps maintain the practice’s appointment schedule.
The Primary Concern: Transmission Risks in Dental Settings
The dental operatory poses a unique environment for the transmission of infectious agents, largely due to the close proximity between the patient and the dental team. Procedures require the clinician to work within inches of the patient’s mouth and nose, which are primary sources of respiratory droplets. Furthermore, the patient must remove their protective face mask for the entirety of the treatment, eliminating a layer of source control.
Standard dental tools, such as high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes, generate a significant volume of bioaerosols. These aerosols are tiny liquid and solid particles containing saliva, blood, and microorganisms from the patient’s oral cavity. These particles can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, traveling beyond the immediate treatment area and settling on surfaces throughout the office.
A sick patient introducing a contagious respiratory virus creates a substantial risk of cross-contamination for the staff and other patients. Even with standard infection control measures, the volume of pathogen-containing aerosols generated during a procedure can overwhelm environmental controls. Rescheduling prevents the exposure of vulnerable individuals and protects the dental team, who are in constant contact with numerous patients daily.
Illnesses That Require Immediate Rescheduling
Any contagious or systemic illness requires an immediate call to the dental office to cancel the appointment. A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is a definitive signal to stay home, indicating your body is actively fighting an infection. Flu-like symptoms, including body aches, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, or active diarrhea, also mandate rescheduling.
Respiratory infections accompanied by a persistent, uncontrolled cough or frequent sneezing are especially problematic. These symptoms forcefully expel infectious droplets and make it nearly impossible for the patient to remain comfortably in the dental chair. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 or strep throat must postpone their visit until they have completely recovered and completed any required isolation period. Dentists typically request that you are symptom-free and fever-free without medication for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours before returning for treatment.
Another localized condition requiring cancellation is an active herpetic lesion, commonly known as a cold sore. The fluid-filled blister contains the virus, and manipulation during a procedure can cause the lesion to rupture or spread the infection. Patients should wait until the cold sore has fully crusted over and is no longer actively weeping or bleeding before keeping their appointment.
Minor Symptoms and Non-Contagious Conditions
Not all physical discomfort necessitates a cancellation, and some minor, non-contagious conditions may be acceptable for an appointment. Seasonal allergies, which typically present as a mild runny nose, watery eyes, or occasional sneezing without a fever, are often considered acceptable for a visit. Similarly, a mild, non-productive cough that lingers after a cold has otherwise resolved, or a simple tension headache, usually does not pose a transmission risk.
However, even in these cases, it is imperative to contact the office ahead of time to discuss your symptoms with the staff. Severe congestion can make it difficult and uncomfortable to breathe while lying back in the dental chair, requiring you to breathe through your mouth when the dentist is working. If you are taking allergy medication, ensure it controls your symptoms enough that you will not have excessive sneezing or coughing during your treatment, as these interruptions make procedures difficult or impossible to complete.
Patient Protocol for Rescheduling
If you realize you are sick, the most appropriate action is to call the dental office as soon as the symptoms appear, rather than waiting until the last minute. This allows the practice the best opportunity to adjust their schedule and potentially offer the time slot to another patient. When you call, be honest and specific about your symptoms, including your temperature and the date your symptoms started, so the staff can make an informed decision about rescheduling.
Most dental practices understand that illness is unavoidable and will be flexible with their cancellation policy under these circumstances. You should inquire about their policy regarding illness-related cancellations and ask about the earliest available time to reschedule once your symptoms have resolved. By proactively communicating your situation, you demonstrate responsibility and help the practice maintain a safe and efficient environment for everyone.