COVID-19 UPDATE – FAQ’S (20/04/2020)

Q: Are you open? Can I come in for my regular check-up?

A: Yes, we are open, but only from Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM

Surgery hours have reduced because of the restrictions in place. At this moment, we can only see patients with dental emergencies, such as toothaches, dental infections or a broken front tooth. It’s best for everyone to delay elective dental procedures until the COVID-19 situation has improved.

Q: I need a bad tooth to be removed. Can you do it?

A: Unfortunately, we cannot extract a tooth at the moment unless it’s so loose that there is a risk of aspiration. If you have a toothache we can prescribe painkillers and/or antibiotics if there is an infection, alternatively, the tooth can be opened and the nerve removed to get you out of pain. We can also arrange a referral to a specialist oral surgeon as they are allowed to perform tooth removal at this stage.

Q: I am half-way through my treatment. I was told I needed a few fillings. What should I do now?

A: If these teeth are asymptomatic, you should delay your treatment until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Meanwhile, keep your teeth as clean as possible with daily brushing and flossing, and reduce the amount of sugar intake, so that the cavities do not progress too fast. Remember, should you start to have pain, we are here to help.

Q: I have made an emergency appointment to see you, what precautions do I need to take before coming in?

A: Please make sure you come in at the exact appointment time, not earlier. If in doubt, once you have arrived please stay in your car and call us on 03 9523 7530 to make sure we are ready to see you. Our schedule now is such that appointments are longer and spaced out so that you are only in contact with the staff at the clinic, and not with any other patients. Also, unless the appointment is for the child, please do not bring in children. We would ask any carers or drivers to stay in the car if possible. We provide hand sanitisers for patients to use before and after the appointment, all surfaces including waiting room chairs are regularly wiped down with disinfectant or alcohol.

Q: My mum is elderly and in a nursing home. She seems to be having trouble with her denture, but I cannot bring her to you. Is there anything that can be done to make her more comfortable?

A: Yes, try to leave the denture out as much as possible, only have it in when it’s really needed, i.e. for eating. Also check to make sure there is no food getting caught under the plate, always rinse after eating. If there is any ulceration, try to get a nurse/visiting doctor from the nursing home to check it out for her.