Dental Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We Care About Our Edmonds Patients

At Soundview Family Dental, our patients are always our top priority, and that’s no different now as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 1, Governor Jay Inslee extended the “Stay Home. Stay Healthy” order in the state of Washington, to at least May 31. Unfortunately, this means that our offices will remain closed during this time for routine dental care. However, we’re still available for emergency and urgent dental services. In order to provide this emergency care, we’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our patients by following the guidelines provided by the CDC and the Washington State Dental Association.

What’s Considered Emergency or Urgent Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak?

Dental emergencies can be frightening under normal conditions, but during these uncertain times, you may also be facing the additional stress of wondering whether you’ll be able get dental treatment if you need it.

Unsure of whether your dental issue is considered an emergency or urgent? If you’re in pain, that’s a good sign that you need to come in. Still not sure? Just give us a call. Dr. Kitts can evaluate your current symptoms over the phone and decide if you need treatment, and, if you do, we’ll make the necessary arrangements to get you into our office and provide the care you need. You don’t need to suffer in pain or endure dental problems that could contribute to lasting dental damage.

Cosmetic Dentist, Eric Kitts in Edmonds WA
According to the Washington State Dental Association, a dental emergency occurs when, if left untreated or if treatment is delayed, the condition could cause harmful dental or medical consequences, or could result in worsening the patient’s prognosis.

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Our Services

Our office creates a treatment plan specific to your needs. Because each case is unique, not every tooth replacement is right for everyone. During a consultation with Dr. Kitts, he will perform an examination, as well as take x-rays to have a comprehensive view to determining the best course of treatment. Take a look at the options we offer in our Edmonds office to replace missing teeth.
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Root Canals

If you have deep decay within a tooth or have cracked or chipped a tooth, the soft tissue, or pulp, within the tooth can become inflamed or infected. This can cause pain and, if infection spreads, possible medical complications. In this case, a root canal is the traditional course of treatment and is typically considered an emergency in order to prevent possible complications.

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Extractions

When you break a tooth, the pain can be excruciating. When the tooth breaks down to the gumline, the typical treatment option is tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are another example when an extraction may be necessary. Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risk of infection which can put your health at risk. In this case, despite the stay-at-home orders, extraction is a necessary procedure.

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Pain

Dental pain, sometimes associated with an oral discharge or an odd taste in your mouth, can often be a sign of dental infection and is a cause for immediate treatment. However, these infections can also cause a fever, which is also a symptom of COVID-19. If you are experiencing pain and feel you may have an infection, contact Soundview Family Dental immediately and we will evaluate you for treatment.

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Medication

In many cases, dental infections or abscesses can require the use of antibiotic treatment. In some cases, medication requests can be taken care of over the phone, but others may require an evaluation by Dr. Kitts.

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Emergencies After Surgery

If you have recently had dental surgery, such as an extraction, post-surgical treatments, such as suture removal, are acceptable under the emergency services during the pandemic. This also covers any possible post-surgical complications, such as pain or discharge from the surgical site.

Dr. Eric Kitts - Lead Dentist

Can You Still Visit Your Dentist?

During the coronavirus crisis, dental care is available for emergent and urgent dental care. If you are experiencing dental pain, signs of infection (discharge or odd taste in your mouth), a broken or chipped tooth, or complications after dental surgery, please contact our office for instructions on how to reach Dr. Kitts. He will evaluate you over the phone and determine if you need to come to our office for treatment or further evaluation.

What Are the Restrictions?

Dental emergencies can be frightening under normal conditions, but during these uncertain times, you may also be facing the additional stress of wondering whether you’ll be able get dental treatment if you need it.

Unsure of whether your dental issue is considered an emergency or urgent? If you’re in pain, that’s a good sign that you need to come in. Still not sure? Just give us a call. Dr. Kitts can evaluate your current symptoms over the phone and decide if you need treatment, and, if you do, we’ll make the necessary arrangements to get you into our office and provide the care you need. You don’t need to suffer in pain or endure dental problems that could contribute to lasting dental damage.

Tooth Pain From Wisdom Tooth

How Long Do We Wait to Treat a Patient Who Has or Had COVID-19?

If you have a dental emergency and are positive for COVID-19 or currently experiencing symptoms, we must consult with your medical provider, as advised by the Washington State Dental Association. Care will be coordinated in order to reduce the risk of potential spread between patients and staff. Treatment of patients with actual or suspected COVID-19 infection will not occur in our dental office.

If you have recovered from coronavirus, there are guidelines that must be met before we can see you for treatment. As provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these guidelines offer either a symptom-based strategy, or a test-based strategy, and are as follows:

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Symptom-Based Strategy

You may undergo treatment if (a) it has been at least 3 days (72 hours) since you have had a resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, (b) any respiratory symptoms have improved, and (c) at least 10 days have passed since the first day your symptoms began.
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Test-Based Strategy

Same as (a) and (b) of the symptom-based strategy, and, (c) you must have two NEGATIVE COVID-19 tests within 24 hours.

Schedule Your Appointment With Peace of Mind

At Soundview Family Dental, your safety is our number one priority. While we are not currently available for routine hygiene cleanings and other routine dental care, we want you to know that we are here and available for all your dental emergencies and other urgent care needs. If you’re experiencing a dental issue, contact us today and let Dr. Kitts help you decide if you need treatment now, or if it can wait.

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