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Can I visit the dentist during Stay-At-Home Ordinance in Houston

Stay Home Work Safe order’ goes into effect in Harris County, Houston TX

HOUSTON — Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge, made an announcement on Tuesday stating that rising numbers in the Houston area indicate that our community “must take further steps” to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19

During her annoincement, Judge Hidalgo, also stat3es that the county is calling a “Stay Home Work Safe” order for both Harris County and the City of Houston. This order is similar to what many other communities around the country are referring to as a “stay-at-home order” or a shelter-in-place.

Are Dentist in Houston considered an essential business during “Stay Home Work Safe” Order?

It has been made clear that grocery stores and restaurants will remain open (for takeout, delivery). Daycares that provide support for essential employees will also remain open.

In addition there has been 16 sectors deemed critial by the Cybersecurity and Infastructure Security Agency:

“There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21): PPD-21 identifies 16 critical infrastructure sectors.”

Here are those sectors:

 

What Sector do dentist fall under:

Dentist can be categorized as part of the Emergency Services Sector and the Healthcare and Public Health Sector. However after an Executive order from Governor Greg Abbott that went into effect at 3:00 pm on Sunday March 22, 2020 in which he orders all Texas-licensed health care professionals (including dentist) postpone all procedures that are not medically necessary until midnight April 21,2020. Limiting Dentist to only see patients with a Dental Emergency or in need of Urgent Dental Care. This places Dentist and emergency dental visits as part of the Emergency Services Sector under Emergency Medical Services.

What Is Considered A Dental Emergency or Urgent Dental Care

The ADA (American Dental Association) has developed guidance on dental emergency, nonemergency care as they recognized that state governments and state dental associations may be best positioned to recommend to the dentists in their regions the amount of time to keep their offices closed to all but emergency care.

Dental emergencies

are potentially life threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding, alleviate severe pain or infection, and include:

  • Uncontrolled bleeiding
  • Cellulitis or a diffuse soft tissue bacterial infection with intra-oral or extra-oral swelling that potentially compromise the patient’s airway
  • Trauma involving facial bones, potentially compromising the patient’s airway

Urgent dental care

focuses on the management of conditions that require immediate attention to relieve severe pain and/or risk of infection and to alleviate the burden on hospital emergency departments. These should be treated as minimally invasively as possible.

  • Severe dental pain from pulpal inflammation
  • Pericoronitis or third-molar pain
  • Surgical post-operative osteitis, dry socket dressing changes
  • Abscess, or localized bacterial infection resulting in localized pain and swelling
  • Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing soft tissue trauma
  • Dental trauma with avulsion/luxation
  • Dental treatment required prior to critical medical procedures
  • Final crown/bridge cementation if the temporary restoration is lost,broken or causing gingival irritation
  • Biopsy of abnormal tissue

Other urgent dental care:

  • Extensive dental caries or defective restorations causing pain
  • Manage with interim restorative techniques when possible (silver diamine fluoride, glass ionomers)
  • Suture removal
  • Denture adjustment on radiation/oncology patients
  • Denture adjustments or repairs when function impeded
  • Replacing temporary filling on endo access openings in patients experiencing pain
  • Snipping or adjustment of an orthodontic wire or appliances piercing or ulcerating the oral mucosa

What Is Considered Non Emergency Dental Procedures

Routine or non-urgent dental procedures includes but are not limited to:

  • Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
  • Routine dental cleaning and preventive therapies
  • Orthodontic procedures other than those to address acute issues (e.g. pain,
    infection, trauma)
  • Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
  • Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic carious lesions
  • Aesthetic dental procedures

Which Dental Offices Will Be Open For Emergency Care During “Stay Home Work Safe” Order In Houston?

Antoine Dental Center will be one of few dental offices in Houston that will be operationg under the Emergency Services Sector. Providing Emergency Dental and Urgent Dental Care to the entire city.

Can I Be Seen For My Regular Monthly Braces Check-Up?

Unfortuntely all orthodontic treatment visits that are non emergency will have to be postponed until after April 21, 2020. We will be contacting patients with updates via Text, Emails and Phone Calls. You can also visit our website frequently for updates at www.antoinedentalcenter.com

 

A Journey to Smile and Success

At our dental clinic, we often witness incredible transformations in the lives of our patients. One such remarkable story is that of Cristina, a determined and passionate individual who underwent a life-changing dental journey with us. From dental implants to lower braces, Cristina’s story is a testament to the power of a confident smile and the pursuit of dreams.

The Dreamer’s Dilemma

Cristina had always been passionate about cooking and sharing her culinary creations with others. Her love for food led her to dream of owning her own food truck, specializing in serving the best Pupusas in Houston. However, a dental issue was holding her back from pursuing her dream.

A Smile That Couldn’t Shine

For years, Cristina had struggled with missing teeth, making it difficult for her to eat her own delicious food creations. She watched her customers relish her dishes while she could only envy their enjoyment. Moreover, her inability to smile confidently made it challenging for her to connect with her customers on a personal level. It was a dream deferred, but Cristina was not ready to give up.

A Dental Transformation Begins

Determined to turn her dream into reality, Cristina sought our dental expertise. We recommended a comprehensive treatment plan that would involve dental implants to replace her missing teeth and lower braces to straighten the ones that could be saved. Cristina was ready to embark on her dental transformation journey.

Rediscovering the Joy of Eating

The dental implant procedure was a game-changer for Cristina. With her new set of teeth, she could finally taste her creations and enjoy the flavors she had been missing out on for so long. The simple act of eating became a joyful experience, and her passion for cooking grew stronger than ever.

A Smile That Radiates Confidence

As Cristina’s lower braces gradually worked their magic, her smile began to transform. No longer shy about her teeth, she radiated confidence and warmth when interacting with her customers. Her newfound self-assurance not only boosted her business but also made her feel like she was living her dream.

The Birth of Houston’s Best Pupusa Food Truck

With her smile restored, her passion for food rekindled, and her confidence at an all-time high, Cristina took the leap and opened her own food truck. Houston was about to experience the best Pupusas it had ever seen. Cristina’s dream had finally come true.

A Journey of Transformation

Cristina’s journey from dental implants to lower braces was truly life-changing. She not only regained her ability to eat and smile but also achieved her dream of becoming a successful food truck owner. Her story reminds us of the incredible impact that dental care can have on a person’s life, and it also serves as a testament to the power of determination and passion.

If you have a dream or a goal that seems out of reach due to dental issues, remember Cristina’s story. With the right dental care and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. At our clinic, we’re here to help you make that journey towards a healthier, happier smile.

Contact us today and let us be a part of your transformation. Together, we can help you achieve your dreams and share your joy with the world, just like Cristina and The Best Pupusas in Houston.

The Antoine Dental Difference

Comfort | Affordability| Convenience

Nayeli Mora

“Violeta and Maria made me feel really good, explained everything, really nice and clean place.”

Dewill Dolt

“I’m grateful that Antoine Dental Center took care of my daughters cleaning even when we had issues thanks Violeta and Maria”

Abena Shaw

“Outstanding customer service! The staff is professional & welcoming. I’d definitely recommend them to anybody in need of dental services.”

Request an Appointment Today

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713-691-8880

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