When you’re facing a dental emergency, it is crucial to seek urgent and immediate treatment. But with COVID-19 still circulating in NSW, many patients continue to feel anxious, and therefore are hesitant, about visiting their dentist. Much of this anxiety comes from the assumption that dental clinics - due to the close proximity environment in which they operate - are a breeding ground for COVID outbreaks. Consequently, many patients are choosing to delay the emergency dental care they need. So the question is, are emergency dental clinics safe to visit in 2023, or is COVID contraction still a risk?
Well Paddington Dentistry is a trusted, local dental clinic in Paddington, NSW and is not only fully operational, but perfectly safe to visit post COVID. We continue to closely observe and follow the recommendations of health authorities in NSW, and of the dental council regulators, to provide a safe dental environment for the community. Continue reading, to understand why there is no need to be nervous visiting our clinic and why it is important to seek emergency dental care if needed.
How Is Paddington Dentistry Keeping Patients Safe During COVID 2023?
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful enough, without the added fear that one may be at risk of catching COVID during their dental check up. That is why, at Paddington Dentistry, we follow the strict guidelines that have been set in place by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the NSW Government. These guidelines are in place to prevent COVID outbreaks within healthcare clinics, without compromising the level of emergency care we give. Below are just some of the way, Paddington Dentistry keeps its patients safe during visits:
- frequent disinfection of treatment rooms
- hand sanitiser available for staff and patients to use
- limiting patient numbers in communal spaces
- pre-appointment COVID questionnaire
- use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- vaccinated team members
As healthcare providers, we adhere to the highest standards of infection control at all times, which makes us perfectly safe to visit for a dental checkup or emergency.
Paddington Dentistry is an “Accredited” dental practice
Dental accreditation may not be mandatory for dentists in Australia, but those who do demonstrate a willingness to put a huge amount of effort into providing patients with quality care and health protection. They constantly support an infection-controlled environment when providing emergency dental care (or general care).
Paddington Dentistry is an accredited dentistry practice and we go above and beyond the minimum guidelines set by the NWS Government and the ADA. We’ve voluntarily put in the hard work to not only receive the accreditation but, as a result, improve our health and safety measures. To put it simply, our patients’ health means everything to us. By showcasing our accredited status, we hope our patients realise that it’s completely safe for them to come in and seek treatment for their dental emergency.
For those who’d like more information about our health and safety measures at Paddington Dentistry, you can give us a call on (02) 9360 6245. We’ll gladly address any questions or concerns you have.
What Happens if I Delay Emergency Dental Care?
Dental emergencies are never convenient but they do issue urgent treatment. At Paddington Dentistry, we offer same-day treatments for emergency patients that may suffering from:
- fractured tooth
- severe pain
- signs of infection e.g. toothache, fever, gum redness
- swelling
- uncontrolled oral bleeding
- tooth knocked out
If you’re in significant pain, or you think you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious dental problems or infections, such as:
- increased pain
- permanent tooth damage
- severe dental infections
- tooth loss
- tooth nerve damage
The key to a full speedy recovery is getting treatment when you need it. By holding off on emergency dental care because you have COVID concerns, you may end up needing longer, more complex, and more expensive procedures as a result.
When Not to Visit a Dental Clinic
To protect our patients from COVID, upon entry we will ask out patients questions about their health. Questions asked may be in relation to whether you are suffering from the following:
- cough
- diarrhoea
- fever
- muscle aches
- nasal congestion
- sore throat
- vomiting
Should a patient have the above symptoms or demonstrate signs of COVID, we will not see them in our clinic. However, as mentioned previously, Paddington Dentistry goes above and beyond for its patients, even those we can’t see in person.
If you think you might have COVID or have tested positive for the virus, give us a call and one of our highly trained dentists will advise you on what emergency dental care options are available in your situation.
Can I Go to the Dentist After the COVID Vaccine?
You can absolutely visit your dentist after receiving your vaccine. So, if you’re dealing with a dental emergency, have been vaccinated and aren’t feeling unwell then don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Paddington Dentistry.
Book an Appointment for Emergency Dental Care
In conclusion, so long as you don’t have COVID, there is no reason for you not to visit our emergency dental clinic to fix your dental emergencies. Paddington Dentistry is taking every necessary action - plus more - to preserve a safe healthcare space where patients can receive the best possible dental treatment without worry.
We've made it super simple to book an emergency dental appointment. Simply choose an appointment slot online or call us on (02) 9360 6245. We aim to see all emergency patients on the same day as their booking for quick resolution.
Still unsure if you should visit an emergency dental clinic? Contact our emergency services dental team today to get the answers to your questions and COVID concerns.
