The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is no longer new, but its consequences linger in every facet of society. Even as many businesses and medical practices reopen, some questions likely remain about COVID-19 and safety concerns. This is especially true regarding medical and dental treatments.
Benedict Kim, DDS, and the caring staff at A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, have always been focused on superior patient health. Since 1995, our practice has sought to serve patients with compassion and utmost concern for their welfare.
This focus on care for our patients continues as we follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize the risk factors for both patients and staff concerning the spread of coronavirus.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a novel strain of the coronavirus. This highly contagious respiratory illness is primarily spread through tiny droplets that an infected person can spread as they speak, cough, or sneeze.
These droplets can spread the infection if they come into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Even touching an infected surface can potentially spread the virus if you later touch your face in some way. This is why masks and social distancing guidelines have been encouraged throughout the nation, to lessen the chances of an infected person spreading the virus.
This is important because the virus affects people differently. You can be infected with COVID-19 and not display any symptoms, meaning you could inadvertently spread the virus to others. The primary symptoms that do show up are cough, fever, and breathing difficulties. However, a person’s respiratory distress can range from mild to life-threatening.
In order for Dr. Kim and our team to stay safe and protect our patients from the risks of spreading COVID-19, we have enacted some additional safety precautions at our office since reopening on May 18, 2020.
If you missed a scheduled appointment during our closure, we apologize for any inconvenience. We truly want to serve our patients with the utmost care and safety, and our closure was necessary.
It’s time to reschedule your appointment with our office. However, before contacting us to get on the treatment schedule, we ask you to perform a brief self-evaluation. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you’ve been exposed to someone who has the virus at work, home, or elsewhere, please wait to schedule your appointment for a later date.
Some dental treatments may be necessary even during the pandemic. Dr. Kim wishes for everyone to receive the dental treatments they need to maintain good oral and overall health. Emergency treatments and the like should be handled as soon as possible. This includes any instance of dental pain or injury, tooth infection, or a broken tooth.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening may be postponed for a period of time until the risks of spreading coronavirus are lessened. To minimize your risk for spreading COVID-19 or being exposed to the virus yourself, you may consider delaying any nonemergency dental services for another time.
Our team is happy to answer your questions regarding dental treatments. Call our office for assistance with your dental concerns.
Following each patient appointment, the care team at A Caring Dental Group thoroughly cleans and sanitizes all room surfaces, furniture, and instruments. Due to these extra steps, we may take a bit longer to process patients. Please be patient as we take these extra precautions for your safety and for the safety of our team.
Due to the nature of how COVID-19 spreads, we encourage everyone to continue following the CDC’s social distancing recommendations. We also ask that patients wear a mask to our office and while in the registration and waiting areas. Our treatment staff also diligently follows these protocols for your health.
As always, Dr. Kim encourages everyone to maintain a healthy oral care regimen at home. This includes brushing your teeth at least two times every day and flossing at least once a day. Use a good fluoride toothpaste that helps to prevent cavities, and avoid excess sweets or acidic beverages that can promote tooth decay.
If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, or if you have questions about your oral health or our services, call our office or send an online message. You can also book your appointments directly from our website. Don’t delay getting needed dental care.
