March 16, 2020
Dear Patients of Riverview Family & Cosmetic Dentistry,
On behalf of the Riverview Dental team, we are reaching out to assure you that the safety and well- being of our patients and employees remains our highest priority. In response to the constantly evolving circumstances surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and following the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and the Michigan Dental Association, Riverview Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will be postponing all routine or non-emergency services at this time. We will contact you to reschedule any appointment you may have scheduled in the immediate future. Dr. Bruzek will continue to be available for any emergency treatment needs and we encourage you to contact us should you need assistance.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It is just one more way that we can show our concern for the health of our patients and everyone in our community. We very much look forward to seeing you, your family, and your friends very soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Matthew Bruzek, Mrs. Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek,
And the Staff of Riverview Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided here, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What happens if my appointment has been cancelled?
Once we are able to resume normal operations, we’ll contact you to re-book your appointment. If you’re worried about your particular situation, please feel free to contact us.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is something that should be looked at right away. An emergency includes:
- oral-facial trauma caused by an accident or blow to the face
- prolonged bleeding of the mouth, tongue or cheek that lasts for longer than 15-10 mins
- significant infection
- pain that cannot be managed by over-the-counter medications.
What should I expect at an emergency appointment?
We are taking the utmost precautions to minimize your risk and the risks to our staff at this time. Appointments are being scheduled to reduce the number of patients in the office at any one time. In order to accommodate this, we ask that only the patient needing services come into the waiting room. Any other persons accompanying the patient is asked to wait in their car during the appointment. If the patient is a minor or dependent, one parent or guardian may accompany the patient.
At your appointment, staff will all wear appropriate personal protective equipment for each procedure, sterilize instruments, clean the operatory between patients, and, wherever possible, isolate you from other patients and staff members. If you happen to cross paths with another patient or staff member, be sure to keep 6 feet between you at all times.
Prevention can reduce your risk of an emergency during this time
Now more than ever, prevention should be a priority. Please remember to:
- Maintain regular oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Follow any additional personal hygiene recommendations from your hygienist.
- Clean dental appliances regularly.
- Remove dentures or removable prosthetics before sleeping.
- Use a mouthguard while playing sports to prevent injuries.
- Avoid eating ice or other hard foods, as well as sticky toffees.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools or for anything other than eating!
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or if the bristles become frayed.