When You Catch a Cold: Handling Your East Cobb Dentistry Appointment with Care

Cold and flu season has arrived, and with it comes the predicament of facing a dental appointment while battling a bug. For the residents of Decatur, GA, who visit the Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, this can be quite a concern. Rescheduling appointments can be a challenging task, especially considering the high demand for dental services in the area. Cleanings, in particular, may lead to significant wait times if rescheduled, which might be discouraging. Despite feeling under the weather, the temptation to proceed with the East Cobb dentistry services might arise. Let’s delve into the best course of action when you find yourself sick but have an upcoming dental appointment.

IT’S NOT ABOUT GETTING THE DENTIST SICK: At Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, our compassionate team understands your concerns about transmitting illnesses. However, rest assured that most dentists take appropriate precautions, such as wearing masks, when working with patients. This significantly reduces the chances of contracting viruses from sick patients. If you’re unwell and have an appointment with us, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with our dental practice and seek guidance. In some cases, we may arrange for you to be in a separate room and request you to wear a mask until the dentist is ready to see you.

COPING WITH CONGESTION: Dealing with dental work while experiencing congestion can be challenging. Breathing through the nose is often necessary during dental procedures. Unfortunately, a cold, flu, or allergies may cause congestion, making your dental appointment more difficult. Additionally, if you typically use nitrous oxide for pain and anxiety relief during procedures, congestion may hinder its effectiveness. If you’re congested and the appointment is unavoidable, feel free to discuss alternate sedation options with our East Cobb dentistry practice.

IV SEDATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE: Should congestion pose a problem, we may recommend IV sedation as an alternative. This approach ensures you’re asleep throughout the procedure, offering comfort and convenience. Often referred to as “twilight anesthesia,” IV sedation allows you to wake up shortly after the treatment, with no recollection of the procedure. However, as with any dental sedation, it’s crucial to arrange for someone to drive you home after the appointment.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY: When deciding whether to proceed with your dental appointment, pay attention to how you feel. If you’re suffering from a fever, chills, and body aches, it’s best to avoid pushing yourself to the dentist’s office. Inform us as soon as possible about your illness so that we can try to accommodate your situation. While rescheduling might not always be feasible, we understand genuine reasons and aim to be understanding. If a cancellation fee applies, we’ll work with you to find a reasonable solution.

PUTTING YOUR DENTAL CARE FIRST: For those who feel well enough to manage their daily activities, attending the dental appointment might be a viable option. At Metro Decatur Dental Group PC, we recognize the importance of timely dental care, especially when dealing with significant dental problems. Open communication with our dentistry office will ensure proper guidance, and we’ll work together to find the best approach for your individual situation.