As dental offices throughout the country begin to open again, we are proud to say that we have finally resumed business. We know how important dental health and oral hygiene is, especially during this time when it is so essential to stay healthy.
We understand that many patients may have had to postpone any non-essential dental treatments during quarantine, and we know it has been difficult to go without dental care during these past few months. We are so happy to have you back and we are doing our part every day to protect your health and safety in our office.
Regular Cleaning Appointments & Non-Emergency Care
There are no breaks, or days off when it comes to your oral health. Neglecting your personal dental care can lead to extremely negative consequences, disease, infection and even tooth loss. It has been a very difficult year for many, but there are several things you can do now to keep it from getting worse.
Oral infections are among some of the most easily prevented illnesses in the US. With simple bi-annual dental visits, you can catch problems before they start. It is incredibly important to stay extra vigilant about your overall health at this time and the best way you can protect yourself is to visit your dentist.
Many patients have had their dental appointments delayed or postponed due to COVID-19. Lawson Family Dentistry is currently open and taking patients for both emergency and non-emergency services at this time and we cannot stress enough, the importance of visiting the dentist, especially after the months of isolation we have all been through.
Non-emergency dental treatment is just as important, if not more important than emergency dental care because it is a preventative measure to promote your long term oral health. A simple dental cleaning is an opportunity for your dentist to examine your mouth, gums and teeth, in order to catch problems early. Without routine appointments, patients wait too long to visit the dentist and end up coming in when they are already in pain.
Unfortunately, we have already seen an increase in gingivitis, TMJ disease, sore muscles of the teeth/face, and cracked teeth, all due to pent up demand with patients delaying their dental visits.
Our team is excited to start working with those who have booked their regular cleanings and appointments. Your oral health is our top priority.
Regular Dental Services Include:
- Dental cleaning
- X-rays
- Oral cancer screening
- Orthodontics
- Laser treatment
- Implant surgery
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Denture fitting
- Periodontal treatment
Emergency Dental Services
We are seeing an influx in emergency dental patients now as an unfortunate result of the quarantine. Many patients postponed seeing the dentist due to the heavy restrictions during the lockdown and are now suffering from dental emergencies as a result.
Dental emergencies can be sudden and the result of injuries, such as a trauma to the face or jaw, however, more often dental emergencies are the result of disease. Those that put off going to the dentist in hopes that the pain will simply “go away” can end up with severe oral infections and in some cases, tooth loss.
Our emergency dental services are always available and our staff is trained and ready to help you get out of pain and into recovery. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, call our clinic immediately. Our team is taking all of the necessary COVID safety precautions to ensure you are treated in a safe environment.
Signs of a Dental Emergency Include:
- Sharp pain and tooth sensitivity
- Bleeding or pus-filled gums
- Swelling or redness anywhere in the mouth
- Injury or trauma to the mouth or jaw
- Oral pain that persists for over 48h
- Numbness in the mouth or jaw
- An abscessed tooth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Broken or cracked dental filling or crown
- A loose tooth
Please note, a fever can often accompany serious oral infections.
Never Neglect Your Oral Health
It’s actually far worse for you and your health to avoid going to the dentist during this time. What may seem like a small problem at first can quickly escalate and become an oral emergency. Dental care plays a major role in your overall health and well being and right now is not the time to neglect that.
Poor oral health affects your overall physical health and vice versa. Although we were only able to see emergency cases during the quarantine, there are many dental conditions that are considered non-emergencies, which can dramatically affect patient health and well being. Conditions such as gingivitis can become gum disease, untreated cavities can become root canals and a lack of oral hygiene and regular deep cleanings can cause more serious problems for many patients.
According to the American Dental Association: “Several studies link chronic inflammation from periodontitis with the development of cardiovascular problems. Some evidence suggests that oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, arterial blockages and stroke.”(ADA, “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body”) We trust that, during quarantine, you were able to maintain your daily oral health regime. We suggest brushing your teeth two or three times a day after meals and flossing at least once a day, in order to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque.
However, now, with restrictions partially lifted, it is an excellent time to visit our clinic. Many people are already priding themselves on staying healthy right now, with an increase in physical activity, improved diet and lifestyle changes as well as spring cleaning for a fresh new start. It’s a great idea to take the same approach to your oral health and schedule an appointment with our team.
A Clean, Safe Environment
We offer a clean and safe clinical environment for our patients, so you can feel confident about your appointment. Our patients’ safety is essential and our office is following all of the current guidelines in place. The clinic is treated with a professional-grade standard of cleanliness and everything is deeply sanitized after each visit.
We know that many patients are still hesitant to visit, “While 99% of dentists have reopened, the number of patients visiting offices remains about 20% below usual levels, according to the American Dental Association.” (USA Today) But we want to assure you, at Lawson Family Dentistry, we have enforced PPE such as masks, gowns, temperature checks, hand sanitizer and social distancing within the clinic to protect both our patients and ourselves.
Appointments will have to be spaced a little further apart in order to maintain a clean practice and perform the required sanitization after each appointment. It is also important to self assess before your visit to keep yourself and others safe.
About Dr. Lawson
Dr. Lawson has committed 10+ years to serving the Urbandale community. As a leading, holistic based dentist, she cares for more than just your teeth. Her warm and welcoming persona puts clients at ease and she is truly passionate about her patients’ well-being.
The clinic offers a multitude of extra benefits and services, designed to put dental clients first. These include:
- Cutting edge dental technology
- Spa-like atmosphere
- Direct billing and Insurance coverage
- A holistic approach to dental care
- Caring team
- Child-friendly care
Whether you are a returning customer or a new patient, Dr. Lawson would be happy to work with you in order to help you reach your oral health goals. Dr. Lawson is an incredibly intelligent Doctor who uses her knowledge and passion for people to help her patients attain a better quality of life through oral health care.
Contact Lawson Family Dentistry
Those who have had existing appointments cancelled will be a priority. Our recommendation is to get things addressed as soon as possible, we want everyone who requires dental care to book an appointment and follow up right away.
Dental care is not only for emergencies, it is also a regular part of staying healthy. Navigating this time of uncertainty can take a toll on your body and mind. Do not hesitate to give us a call, we are available to answer your questions, emails and messages. We have made changes at the clinic in order to protect our patients and staff so you can feel safe and confident during your visit.
Whether it is a cleaning, screening or general consultation, we are here to help you and will fit you in for an appointment. If you had an appointment previously scheduled, which was affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, we will do our best to prioritize you and book you in as soon as possible. At Lawson Family Dental our team is committed to your dental health during these times. If you would like to book an appointment, do not hesitate to call us at 515-278-4366 or schedule an appointment with our team.
