Will A Dentist See Me If I Have A Cold?
It's normal to worry about seeing the dentist when you feel unwell.
You’re probably concerned about spreading sickness and don’t want to inconvenience anyone. On the other hand, you might be questioning if it’s okay to cancel your appointment at the last minute.
Here at Embrace Dental, we appreciate you notifying us ahead of time if you won’t make it to your appointment. This allows us to open slots for other patients needing urgent dental care.
We understand that some reasons for cancellation are sudden, as in sickness, which leave you no choice but to miss or delay your visit.
When can I proceed with my dental visit?
There are instances when you can visit the dentist even if you have a cold. Your dental team will still see you, for example, if the cold isn’t contagious and is related to your oral health.
In these cases, proceeding with your appointment can help improve your overall condition.
If you have severe gum disease, pockets surrounding your gums may have already receded and are likely filled with bacteria. Bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and make you feel sick. You may have a congested and runny nose. Seeing your dentist can help alleviate your symptoms.
If you have an abscess in your mouth, the infection can affect the throat and cause it to swell. This can interfere with your breathing. The same goes if you’re experiencing sinus infections. Your sinuses can be inflamed and clogged, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
If your dentist gives you the go-ahead, please take precautions. Wear your mask, sanitize your hands, always cover your mouth, and avoid direct contact with others in the office. Sanitize your hands again after touching surfaces or signing documents.
It also helps to fill out documents and send them to the office in advance so you can save time and reduce exposure to the staff and other patients.
When can the dentist not see me?
Contact the office to reschedule your appointment if you’re contagious and feel too sick to leave the house. Common colds, coughing, and other related illnesses can be passed to others within close contact.
Here at Embrace Dental, we want you to keep your appointments as much as possible. But if you’re feeling very sick, are coughing, or have breathing issues, you’ll have difficulties completing your treatments. Keeping your mouth open would be tough.
Sudden movements, such as coughing, can also affect the flow of the procedure. Weigh how sick you are, follow your instincts, and be sure to notify the dental office immediately.
The dental office is a safe environment, but viruses can still spread and infect others. So, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to stay at home and wait until you recover.
Need to reschedule your dental appointment due to sickness?
At Embrace Dental we appreciate your thoughtfulness. We’re thankful for your concern toward our staff. Call us today at