Care Protocol
Dr O’Rielly and his staff have a very strict infection control protocol. This includes negative pressure and high-speed filtration in our operatories to protect patients from infection. These filters clean and exchange the air in the treatment rooms every 5 minutes. Read more about the precautions we have in place.
Patient Protocol for Dental Appointment
Dr. O or the hygienist will be using our DentAirVacs, the ‘Elephant hose’ filters. These high speed suction and filtration units whisk the air from the field of dental work, filter it and prevent aerosols from escaping into the room. This is in addition to the numerous fans, filters and open air ventilation that we have always used routinely.
The latest addition to our precautions is a high speed fan in the ceiling of each operatory. Dr. O installed this to produce negative pressure, which means that all the air is sucked out of the room between patients and vented outside. When you walk into the treatment room, you will know that there has been a total turnover of the air, and fresh air awaits you. Dr O and his assistant Patty have a new protocol to follow as well, as you will see.
After each visit, our team double wipes all surfaces and flushes all lines and equipment. As is usual, they remove all instruments, drills, etc. and thoroughly sterilize them. We also flush out all the lines and clean them with ozone.
A 15-minute window is left between patients in order to clean, sterilize, air out the operatory and utilize the negative pressure feature. You can feel confident that every effort is made to safeguard your health, along with providing the highest quality dental care.
Air Filtration Demonstration
The filter above is our ‘Elephant Hose’ High-Speed Filtration Unit. It is effective in removing airborne microbes and aerosols. Dr. O. has five of these units in his office to continuously clean and filter the air. The smaller filter on the left has a UV light that kills airborne microbes and viruses.
Blog Posts & Articles
DIY Ways You Can Meet the Challenge of the Coronavirus Covid 19 – Part 3
We’ve all been shocked to learn that the President and first lady are in quarantine with the Coronavirus. This brings DIY protection for you and your family top of mind again. It’s always best to take a proactive approach with your health. In this instance, one way would be to boost your immune system.
DIY Ways to Adapt to the Challenge of the Coronavirus Covid 19 – Part 1
This article is about do-it-yourself ways to adapt and still manage to thrive in these unusual times. As long as the ‘shelter in place’ mandate remains active, there is also an opportunity to be proactive and nurture yourself to better health.
Alert: High Blood Pressure Medication and Covid 19 Infections
A new research paper, just out as of March 23rd, states that high blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors negatively affect people with Covid 19 infections. James Diaz MD, of Louisiana State University Health Center, has proposed a possible explanation for the severe lung complications seen with some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The paper states that there is a correlation between complications in the lungs and high blood pressure medication, specifically ACE inhibitors and ARB’s.
DIY Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy During the Coronavirus Mandate
I wanted to get out some DIY ways that my subscribers and patients can use to meet the challenge of the Coronavirus. So, over the next couple of weeks I will be posting tips and guidance on what you can do on your own to maintain and improve the health of not only your mouth, but your entire body.
One of the services dentists in California have had to eliminate is teeth cleanings. This includes all routine recall appointments. While this is not a big problem short term, long term it’s an issue. The gums and the mucosal lining of the mouth is exposed to the outside world and susceptible to microbial growth and infections. If you don’t get cleanings done on a regular basis, then these microbes make a home around your teeth and under your gums, creating constant inflammation. These microbes can also gain access to the rest of your body, because bleeding or ‘leaky’ gums can give aggressive microbes access to your bloodstream.
How Dentistry Can Meet the Challenge of the Coronavirus
Due to the changing global landscape caused by the Coronavirus, dentistry has had to adapt as well. Based on the ‘shelter in place’ mandate issued by California’s governor, all elective, non essential services are going to be suspended. This is the guidance from the CDA, the ADA, the CDC and Home Health as well. But what does that mean? If you have an appointment for a non essential dental procedure like a cleaning, you’ll need to reschedule your appointment. However, if you have an essential need that can’t wait, then you should definitely seek care and not put it off. What is essential care? Read more to find out.