Teledentistry: Oral Care In the Time of COVID-19

Telehealth has existed for years, but due to the emergent threat of COVID-19, dentists across the country have adopted this accessible care-style more readily. If you’re in the midst of dealing with a toothache, chipped tooth, or any type of oral discomfort, you can set up a virtual consultation with your emergency dentist in Pittsburgh to decide whether it’s necessary for you to leave the safety of your home to get treatment. Read on to learn more about teledentistry and how it can help you get the care you need without risking your health.

What is Telehealth?

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 82 percent of American households have internet access. In an effort to make medical and dental healthcare more accessible for patients across the country, telehealth was born. This is a virtual healthcare system that involves video consultations on smart phones, laptops, and even tablets.

Just last month, the ADA made an official statement recommending that all dentists postpone elective procedures and only keep their doors open in case of emergency situations. This was in an effort to follow strict shelter-in-place orders that were made active by government officials to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Now, emergency dentists are screening and consulting with their patients via teledentistry to determine whether or not they require immediate treatment. By doing this, they’re able to minimize their office traffic and keep patients from visiting high-risk environments like their local ER.

How Can Teledentistry Benefit Patients?

Teledentistry offers a variety of unique benefits, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Dental emergencies and oral pain require urgent attention, which is where virtual consultations come in handy. Based on pictures that you have sent your dentist and an assessment of your symptoms, they’ll be able to establish a treatment plan for you, whether that’s visiting the sterile office for urgent treatment or changing up your home dental hygiene routine. Here are some additional advantages that teledentistry has to offer patients:

• Easy accessibility for rural and high-risk patients.
• Cost-effective monitoring and follow-up appointments.
• Fast pain relief with virtual prescription administration.

What Virtual Services is Your Dentist Offering?

Today, dentists across the country are offering virtual consultations in an effort to create an even more sterile office environment for patients who require treatment. Depending on your needs, your dentist may consult with you about an upcoming treatment, follow-up for an emergency procedure you had, or to screen and provide guidance for handling an oral health problem before you visit their office.

Teledentistry has been around for years, but this service is even more invaluable during the COVID-19 crisis because it reduces patients’ risks of contracting the virus by limiting their exposure to other people. If you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms or signs, don’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist to schedule a consultation today.

About the Author

Dr. Dan Rairigh is a highly experienced emergency dentist who has completed advanced training in sedation administration. He is passionate about helping his patients feel comfortable and at-ease while they’re dealing with stressful oral health problems and always offers high-quality and individualized treatment. He is currently accepting emergency patients during the COVID-19 crisis and offering virtual visits to ensure the safety of his staff and patients. For questions or to schedule a tele-appointment, visit Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh’s website or call 412-854-2310.