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Are you dealing with a dental emergency but would rather not make a trip to the dentist’s office? This is not an uncommon request, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With dentists taking added precautions to keep their staff and patients safe, new methods of treatment are being employed to allow patients to receive the care they need without stepping inside the office. With teledentistry, your dentist in Camphill, PA, can provide immediate assistance while you remain in the comfort of your own home. Read on to learn what you should expect when preparing for your first appointment.

Why Are More People Turning to Teledentistry?

While it might seem like a new concept, telemedicine, in general, has been around for years. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic began that dentists and doctors began using it as a safer method of care. It has many proven benefits, including:

• A more convenient way to achieve better oral health. Although dental office visits have dropped in the past 15-20 years, teledentistry has made it possible to reconnect patients with dentists to receive valuable treatment.
• Better alignment with the needs of busy patients. With technology advancing every day, younger generations are already using computers and phones to access health-related information on the internet.
• Possibility of improving access to care for patients in rural areas. Individuals who do not live near a dental office can use teledentistry to receive adequate care.

What Can You Expect Your Appointment to Look Like?

Combining the use of dentistry and technology, a virtual consult with your dentist allows you to connect using a computer, tablet, or mobile device. As long as you have internet access, you can engage in a teledentistry appointment.

Most dentists will have an app you can download that will allow you to create an account. Once you have completed your profile, you will log in at your designated appointment time and being a live consultation with your dentist. This process is no different than a video conferencing call you would have for work.

Depending on the problem or scenario you are experiencing, you can expect your dentist to ask a series of questions and even ask you to open your mouth for a virtual examination. By listening to your concerns and evaluating your problem based on the information you provide, your dental professional can offer recommended treatments that will help you achieve relief from the pain and/or provide a solution to the problem.

You must understand that not all emergencies can be “fixed” with teledentistry. Certain situations (i.e. infected tooth, chipped tooth) will require in-house care to effectively treat.

Even after COVID-19 becomes less of a concern, you will likely continue to see a rise in teledentistry services among dental offices throughout the country. It’s just one more way dentistry and technology are working together to create a more convenient, flexible solution for all patients.

About the Author
As Dr. Rina Singh continues to help her patients amid the COVID-19 outbreak, she is employing the use of telemedicine/teledentistry to make it easier for individuals experiencing a dental emergency to receive the care they need. By incorporating this into her practice, she can better provide immediate assistance without requiring the person to be in the office for treatment. If you or a loved one is dealing with a serious dental injury, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.