Can I Go to the Dentist if I Have COVID-19? My Experience, Dentist-Approved Answers, and What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Introduction: My Wake-Up Call on Dental Visits and COVID-19

Last year, I found myself in a situation I never thought I’d have: a bad toothache and a positive COVID-19 test both at once. Suddenly, I wasn’t sure what to do. Is tooth pain really an emergency? Will my dentist see me if I have COVID-19? Could I make other people sick by showing up? I care about my teeth and about people around me, so I needed simple and clear answers.

What I learned—and what dentists like Dr. Joe Dental say—is that seeing the dentist during COVID-19 is about more than just your teeth. Keeping everyone safe, and making good choices, can really mean a big difference for you and others.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do when you’re unwell but also need dental care, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through what I found out as a patient, with help from dental experts and real-life rules. I’ll keep it simple, direct, and easy to understand.

When You Should Avoid the Dentist: Lessons from Personal Experience

Honestly, when my sore throat turned into a fever and then a positive COVID-19 test, my dental appointment was the last thing on my mind. But then my tooth started hurting badly and I got worried. Did I need to cancel? Here’s what I found:

If You Have a Positive COVID-19 Test or Symptoms

Short answer: Don’t go for regular care. That’s what my own dentist said, and every good health group say the same.

Isolation Matters

If you test positive, you have to stay home—usually at least 5 days after your symptoms start, but it can change based on where you live. Even if you don’t feel sick, you can make other people sick. I learned that in dentistry, just talking or sneezing can put tiny drops in the air, so a dental clinic can be risky if you’re carrying the virus.

Symptoms Mean You Stay Home

Fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell—if you have any of these, you might be contagious. My dentist’s office sent me forms asking these same questions, trying to keep everyone safe. Even if your COVID-19 test is negative, if you have symptoms, put off your visit.

Close Contact or Exposure? Play it Safe

One time I got a call after being around someone with COVID-19. I didn’t feel sick, but my dentist still said to move my cleaning to a later date. This “just to be sure” way is the best option now, for everyone’s safety and for peace of mind.

What to Do If You Have a Dental Appointment—but Also Have COVID Symptoms or a Positive Test

So maybe you’re like I was: you have a dentist appointment coming up, but you’re starting to feel sick or you just tested positive for COVID-19. Here’s the right way to handle it, from what I learned and what dentists say:

Don’t Just Show Up

This seems easy, but it can be forgotten. Don’t go to the dentist’s office if you’re sick or can pass something on. My dentist told me that letting them know early helps protect others and helps them plan for urgent cases if needed.

Call and Explain—Honestly

Be clear. When I called my dentist’s office, I just said, “I have a filling scheduled, but I just tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?” The staff thanked me for being honest and quickly helped me change to a later date.

Reschedule Non-Urgent Appointments

Things like cleanings, check-ups, or even fillings can almost always wait. Most dental offices are pretty flexible if COVID-19 is the reason. They take it seriously—there’s no punishment for moving your visit.

Have an Emergency? Here’s Your Plan

Really bad pain, swelling, lots of bleeding, or infection may need quick care. In these cases, your dentist will help you get the help you need, safely. Usually, they want to talk by phone or video first. This way, the dentist can figure out if you really need to come in. If you do, they set up special steps to keep everyone apart and protected—more on that below.

Dental Emergencies and COVID-19: Handling Tough Situations

Let’s talk about what is a dental emergency, because this was confusing for me, too. You don’t want to risk your mouth—or your health—by ignoring real problems, even with COVID-19.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Dental experts like Dr. Joe Dental say these are true emergencies:

• Bleeding you can’t stop by pressing on it
• Really bad pain that keeps you from eating, sleeping, or doing basic things
• Swelling you can see in your mouth, face, or neck (especially if it gets bigger)
• Signs of infection like pus, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing
• Accidents or injuries (broken teeth, hurt jaw)

For smaller issues—like a chipped tooth that doesn’t hurt, or a loose filling you can live with—wait till you’re better.

How Dental Offices Treat Emergencies During COVID

If my tooth had gotten badly infected while I still had COVID-19, here’s what my dental team said they would do:

• Phone or Video First: They’d call or do a video to learn about my signs and see how bad it is
• Special Time: If I needed to come in, they’d see me when no one else was there, like at the end of the day
• Extra Safety Steps: The staff would wear more safety stuff—N95 masks, shields, gowns, gloves. They might use a separate room with good air flow.
• Less Spray: They’d try to avoid using tools that spray a lot (since this spreads germs in the air). They’d use more suction and be extra careful if they had to do root canals or pull a tooth.

Hearing all this made me feel safer. It also told me—this is not for small or not-painful problems.

What to Expect on the Day

If you do need to come in, things will be different in a dental office during COVID-19. You might see:

• Hardly anyone in the waiting room, maybe no one
• A phone call or form before your visit, asking about your health and if you’ve been near someone sick
• You wear a mask till you get in the dentist’s chair
• Hand sanitizer and maybe a special mouth rinse (like hydrogen peroxide) before you even open your mouth for the dentist

The goal is to help you quickly, fix the worst problem, and get you out safely.

When Is It Actually Safe to Return to the Dentist After COVID?

When I felt better, I wanted to get my teeth looked at. But when is it really okay to go back? Here’s the simple answer, from both my experience and what dentists say.

CDC and Health Rules

• When: Wait at least 5 days after you first feel sick (if mild), and make sure you’ve had no fever for 24 hours without medicine to lower a fever.
• Symptoms Getting Better: It’s usually fine if you have a little leftover cough or tiredness, as long as things are getting better, not worse.
• Negative Test: Some dental offices may want you to test negative before you come back for regular visits, others just ask about your symptoms. Best to check first.

What If I Have “Long COVID”?

I had a cough that stuck around for weeks. If that’s you, talk to your dentist about any symptoms you still have. Some, like no taste or just tiredness are not a risk to others. But if you have a fever or can’t breathe well, delay your visit for now.

Always Tell the Truth About Recent COVID-19

My tip? Be honest. I once thought, “it’s over, so I’m probably fine,” but telling your dental office about your recent COVID-19 means they can keep everyone safe—including you.

How Dental Offices Keep You (and Themselves) Safe

While going through all this, I was surprised by how much work happens at the dentist’s office to keep everyone safe. COVID-19 made these steps even stronger. Here’s what I saw and what Dr. Joe Dental confirmed:

Super Careful Cleaning and Air

• Air Filters: Lots of dental offices now use HEPA air filters and other tools to keep germs from floating in the air.
• Wiping All Surfaces: After each patient, every single thing—even pens and doorknobs—gets cleaned.
• Health Questions Before You Visit: Every time, I had to answer health questions before seeing my dentist. Sometimes they even checked my temperature.
• Less Waiting: I was asked to wait in my car until it was my turn, so I didn’t sit near other people.
• Lots of Hand Gel: Hand sanitizer was everywhere—by the door and in every room.

Safety Gear (PPE)

It was hard not to notice how much stuff my dentist and hygienist wore. Masks (usually N95), big clear face shields, gloves, and even gowns. All of it keeps us both safe.

Patient Rules

I had to wear a face mask until in the chair, use hand sanitizer, and sometimes do a quick mouth rinse before the dentist started. These small things matter and help a lot.

If you want to learn about better dental tech for repairs and safer treatments, high-tech places like digital dental lab and zirconia labs are making big differences behind the scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Dental Care

Can I Go for a Cleaning If I Feel Fine but Tested Positive?

I wondered this myself. But no—even if you feel okay, you can still make people sick. Wait until your time at home is over and your dental office says it’s safe.

What If I Have a Small Cough but Nothing Else?

One cough seems like nothing, but you should still call and share your symptoms. Let the dental staff decide if you should still come in or not.

Do I Need a Negative COVID Test Before My Dental Visit?

It depends on the dentist’s rules. Some want a negative test, some go by your symptoms. My dentist said to follow CDC guidance. Most clinics said, “call us and we’ll help you decide.”

Is It Safe to Get a COVID Vaccine Before Dental Work?

I asked my dentist, and yes, you can have a vaccine and still get dental work. Just let them know, because shots can sometimes cause mild fever or muscle ache for a short time.

What If My Tooth Hurts Too Much to Wait?

If you have so much pain you can’t eat or sleep, or you have swelling, blood, or injury—call your dental office now. They have plans to help you, even if you have COVID-19. Not everything can wait, and getting quick help can save you from bigger health troubles.

For big fixes, dental offices sometimes work with special labs like crown and bridge lab, keeping things safe and high-quality even in tough times.

Final Thoughts: Communication, Caution, and Compassion Matter Most

Dealing with dental care during COVID-19 taught me more than just how to care for my teeth. It showed me how much dentists, their staff, and patients count on each other’s honesty and care. If I learned one big thing, it’s this: when in doubt, ask your dentist. Most problems are easy to fix with an honest chat.

Putting off small dental care while you might be sick is the smart thing to do. Real emergencies can’t wait, but your dental office knows how to help you—carefully and kindly. Dentists and their teams have learned so much. Dental labs—including places like emax dental lab—have also made things safer and better.

Whether you have COVID-19 now, just got better, or are just nervous about your next appointment, you are not alone. Dentists are ready and able to take care of you—when the time is right.

Stay safe, look after your health, and remember: ask questions if you’re unsure. That’s how we all move forward—one visit and one honest talk at a time.