When we began 2020, we all had plans: work we needed to do, friends, and loved ones we wanted to visit, maybe trips we wanted to take. None of us could have predicted a global pandemic would shut down the US. With that comes balancing our health. When is it safe to pursue healthcare needs in a way that isn’t compromising our safety from the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Dr. Amin Samadian has always put his patients’ safety and health above all else, and while closures and shelter-in-place orders are necessary in times to flatten the curve of COVID-19 patients, we know that your oral health still needs attention. So how do you know what measures your medical providers and dentists need to adopt to ensure your safety and health while you see to your dental health or tend to emergencies?
Staggered appointments and social distancing in the waiting area are great ways for your healthcare provider to minimize potential exposures. There will be fewer patients in waiting rooms, and seating will be, at minimum, 6ft apart.
Aerosol disinfecting measures are vital in dentistry, regardless of the virus. Microorganism aerosols and splatter are major concerns simply due to the nature of dental care, so dentist’s offices are uniquely positioned to disinfect the environment already. High-efficiency air filtration, high volume suctions and sterilization measures reduce aerosolized infectious materials. Equipment is already sterilized between patients, and personal protection equipment (PPE) is always provided. High powered suction also prevents a significant amount of aerosolization. Ammonia or enzymatic detergent water should be used daily to flush suction lines. Disinfecting or covering commonly used handles, controls, and handpieces with protective plastic prevents even more cross-contamination for the safety of both the patients and dental professionals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very important to create a clean environment. Dr. Samadian uses protective eyewear, mouth- and nose-covering N95 facemasks, gloves, and products that protect the nasal and air passages during dental procedures.
Disinfecting treatment rooms and office spaces is also critical. Each exam room will be disinfected between patients, and office space should be addressed more frequently than once a day during the pandemic. With these measures in place, Dr. Samadian’s office is safe to attend appointments and continue to pursue the healthiest smile you can. There are additional precautions that can also be taken.
Molecular iodine may be a game-changer in antimicrobial chemistry, and as a mouth rinse, it is supremely effective in protecting patients from both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria,
viruses, and other infections that Dr. Samadian uses in his dental office both as a hand sanitizer and a mouth rinse for the patients before entering the office.
HVE (high-volume evacuator) is the suction device used to prevent the aerosolization of biomedical material when Dr. Samadian uses ultrasonic scalers or drills during treatments. This is vital to minimizing the spread of bacteria and viruses like COVID-19 but you need to consider that as of right now, there is no study that actually proves that dental offices generate any aerosols that are infected by COVID-19 and there are articles that actually deny this claim. This precaution is to overly protect everyone in case the thread is there.
Isolite isolation system provides saliva suctioning, tongue retraction, bite blocks, and illumination to minimize the equipment used on each patient. This means less equipment to cross-contaminate. Click here to watch a video of how this system of continuous suction is used to decrease dental aerosol.
Rapid Antibody Testing will help us determine if the patients have been previously exposed to the virus and if they have immunity. This test shows both the IgG and IgM antibodies that determine the acuteness of the exposure.
Healthcare providers are the last people who want to increase the risk of their patients contracting Coronavirus. Dr. Samadian has adopted all of these practices and is keeping up to date with new developments to ensure your safety and wellness when pursuing dental health within his offices.
*Individual Results May Vary
I could not recommend Dr. Samadian more – AND all of his staff, at that! No longer will I mind or be afraid of going to the dentist.
Very informative, patient and sensitive to your needs. Very focused, and desires to ensure it’s done properly the first time.
If you have questions about COVID-19 safety practices, we encourage you to contact Dr. Amin Samadian in East Bay, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Piedmont, Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Oakland, Berkeley, and Brentwood, CA today. You can count on him to help you make an informed decision. Call us at (925-254-2360) or fill out our convenient online contact form.
Specializing in treatments such as digital reconstructions, aesthetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. Focusing on regeneration and restoring tooth structure, bone loss, and gum recession.
