COVID-19 has made many people feel like they need to put their basic needs on pause until the world becomes safe again. Unfortunately, we have all had to adjust to a new normal while still making wellness a priority, including visits to your Fort Lauderdale dentist. When you don’t feel comfortable leaving home, there are many oral health matters that can be discussed and evaluated through teledentistry aka virtual dental care.
What Is Teledentistry?
Have you ever used a Teladoc service to meet with a physician, mental health professional, or other medical personnel? Teledentistry works the same way. Through video and audio technology, your dentist can provide care at a distance.
When Should You Schedule a Virtual Dental Care Visit?
It’s important to understand what can be accomplished during a teledentistry visit and when this technology is not the right choice for your oral health needs.
There are many circumstances in which teledentistry can be a major advantage:
- You have dental anxiety. If you’re fearful about going to the dentist, a virtual meeting gives you the opportunity to ask your questions and have fears allayed before you go to the office. Get clarity on our infection control procedures and sedation dentistry options. Find out how much time you can expect to spend in the office or how long a procedure might take. Get to know your dentist one-on-one and feel comfortable about the visit ahead.
- You want more information. If you want to learn more about a dental procedure without having to take significant time off work, arrange childcare, or manage transportation time and costs, a teledentistry visit delivers information efficiently and when it’s convenient for you. Find out if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry like porcelain veneers, alignment methods like Fastbraces, or dental restorations like dental implants.
- You want to minimize exposure. Patients who have a health condition or compromised immune system that puts them at higher risk when out in public can minimize their exposure or risk of developing illness by meeting their dentist on the computer or phone instead.
- You need to find out whether an oral health problem is urgent. You hit your mouth, there is a lot of blood, and you’re not sure if something is wrong with your teeth. Your dentist can assess the situation and determine the urgency of the situation and whether an emergency visit is necessary.
No definitive diagnosis can be given during a teledentistry appointment, but you and your dentist can discuss your options and what you can expect during an in-office appointment. This access to your dentist puts patients at ease and lets them know that their health and wellness matter.
Make a Teledentistry Appointment in Fort Lauderdale
Schedule a secure, encrypted teledentistry visit with Dr. Johnson at Premier Smile Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale. There is no need to create an account – simply visit the provided URL and check into our online waiting room at your scheduled appointment time. All you need is a tablet, computer, or mobile device with a camera and microphone to have a successful video call. Contact Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Charmaine Johnson to schedule your teledentistry visit. Openings are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
