Waking up unwell before a dental appointment presents a common dilemma. The decision to attend or cancel hinges on two main factors: the risk of spreading a contagious illness and the practical complications your symptoms might cause during treatment. Making the right call ensures a safe environment for everyone and a comfortable, effective procedure for you while protecting your oral health.
Symptoms That Require Cancellation
Any symptom suggesting an active, contagious infection is a definite reason to reschedule immediately. This includes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, which prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza, strep throat, or COVID-19 to staff and other patients. A severe or uncontrolled cough and persistent sneezing can aerosolize viral particles and compromise the sterile field necessary for dental procedures. If you have an active cold sore caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus, you must postpone your visit until it is fully healed. The trauma involved in treatment could rupture the blister and spread the virus to other areas of your face or eye, leading to serious complications.
When Minor Illnesses Are Safe to Keep the Appointment
Minor, non-contagious ailments generally do not require cancellation, provided you feel well enough to sit comfortably in the dental chair. Mild seasonal allergies, involving light sniffles or a scratchy throat without a fever, are typically manageable with over-the-counter medication. Similarly, a mild, localized headache or stable, chronic conditions should not interfere with routine care. If you are unsure whether symptoms are from a mild cold or allergies, assess your comfort and the contagion risk. As long as you are not running a fever and symptoms are limited to mild congestion, attending the appointment is often acceptable, but communicate any lingering doubts with the dental office staff.
How Illness Affects Dental Treatment
Beyond the risk of contagion, physical symptoms can make dental treatment difficult or unsafe. Nasal congestion is a significant problem because many procedures require breathing primarily through the nose while instruments occupy the mouth. Lying back in the dental chair can worsen sinus pressure, making nasal breathing nearly impossible and causing patient distress. A constant need to cough or sneeze forces frequent interruptions, compromising the procedure’s efficiency and potentially damaging work, such as a filling that needs to stay dry. Furthermore, a severe gag reflex, often triggered by post-nasal drip, can make procedures like taking X-rays or impressions impossible to complete.
Canceling Your Appointment Responsibly
Once illness necessitates rescheduling, responsible cancellation involves providing the dental office with as much notice as possible. Most practices require a minimum of 24 to 48 hours’ notice to allow them time to fill the empty appointment slot. Failure to provide adequate notice often results in a cancellation or “no-show” fee, which can range from $50 to over $250 and is not covered by insurance. You should call the office during regular business hours to ensure your cancellation is logged correctly, especially for Monday appointments requiring a Friday call. Be transparent about your symptoms, ask about their specific sick-patient policy, and proactively call back to reschedule once you have been symptom-free for at least 24 to 48 hours.