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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things about our daily lives, including the way we practice dentistry and medicine.
One of the biggest changes is the adoption of telehealth, which allows you to connect with the provider without having to leave your home. Instead, you use a video program on your computer or smartphone.
Telehealth is an easy, secure, and HIPAA-compliant way to get dental care from the safety of your own home. At Madison Family Dental Group, general dentist Shiva Salehi, DDS, offers both in-office and telehealth appointments.
To help you understand the benefits of telehealth, we put together this guide.
During times such as these when you shouldn’t leave your house more than necessary, you have to make decisions about your dental and medical care. Should you make an appointment? Or can the dental appointment wait?
Telehealth provides a safe alternative by allowing you to see Dr. Salehi while remaining safe at home. She still provides attention and care for your teeth, though of course you still need to make an in-person visit for emergencies and cleanings.
It can be challenging to find time for dental visits, especially when you consider commute times and waiting times. Telehealth appointments are easy to fit into your busy schedule, especially since you don’t have to drive to and from in-office appointments.
It’s also often easier to get an appointment by telehealth, so Dr. Salehi can see you sooner.
The American Teledentistry Association tells us that 70% of people find that telehealth works for them and that they’re comfortable with the format. The ATA also found that telehealth visits actually improve your overall dental care
Why? You’re more likely to keep your appointments when they don’t have to take so much time out of your day.
Telehealth does have some limitations. For example, we can’t clean your teeth by a telehealth visit or do restorative work such as crowns. But there are many things we can do by telehealth, including:
If you have a toothache, we can ask you questions about the nature of your pain, including where it hurts and for how long it has hurt. Dr. Salehi may ask to see your tooth during the video conference or to see photos that you submit.
She can prescribe medications, including antibiotics, to resolve the cause of your pain. Treatment depends on the severity of your pain.
If you’re having symptoms such as pain or bleeding in your gums, Dr. Salehi can evaluate your gums in a video conference format. Your gums may be affected by such conditions as:
The cause determines the plan for your treatment, some of which may require in-office visits.
If you have an overbite, crooked teeth, or other orthodontic issues, you can have a consultation with Dr. Salehi on a telehealth visit. She can then make treatment plans for how to correct these issues.
The treatment plan likely would include in-office visits, but the consultation about the issues can be performed online.
These are just a few of the many benefits of telehealth for dentistry. It provides convenience and safety and ensures that you get the most appropriate treatment.
If you would like to learn more about telehealth or to schedule a telehealth visit, contact our office in Fair Oaks, California, today. You can reach us by phone, text, or our online reservation system.
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