Your Emergency is Our Priority

TRU Dentistry is Here to Help You Through COVID-19

Don’t lose sleep over a dental emergency – even under Governor Greg Abbot’s order that dental practices postpone routine procedures due to COVID-19, TRU Dentistry Austin is here to help.

“We really mean that. Even during off-hours. I live an easy walk from the office, so, if you need me, I’ll be there,” says Austin Dentist Samantha Hollinger, DMD.  “If you’re in pain, have a lost or broken tooth, facial swelling, or a dental issue that’s making it difficult to eat or sleep, call me.”

Depending on the source of the dental problem, full treatment could be staved off with a prescription for antibiotics or a temporary clip-in for a broken tooth. If Dr. Hollinger determines that emergency treatment is required, she and the TRU office are following official guidance for safety.

Keeping it Clean

“We always practice a very strict regimen to protect our health and yours,” she says.

TRU sanitizes everything using EPA-approved disinfectants specially designed for use in a healthcare setting to kill viruses, bacteria, and other blood-borne pathogens and following the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings.

In addition, TRU screens all employees and patients for virus-related symptoms, including taking everyone’s temperature, asking that anyone who feels ill to stay at home.

The entire dental care team wears protective gear, including gloves, surgical masks, and goggles for eye protection to minimize the risk of transmitting germs from one patient to another.

“We’re very prepared for this. We know how to clean and disinfect this virus, and a whole host of other viruses and bacteria,” says Dr. Hollinger. “We ask patients to come alone, if possible; we supply masks and gloves; and we give everyone as much up-to-date information as possible to help them avoid becoming sick with COVID-19.”

Though TRU’s normal standard of care is thorough enough to protect patients from all sorts of pathogens, TRU understands that anxiety is running higher during this pandemic and is here to help you through it.

Staying Healthy During a Pandemic

To keep yourself, your family, friends, and community healthy, TRU reminds everyone to embrace good personal hygiene and social distancing habits.

• Aside from emergencies and essential work or supply runs, stay home or at least avoid crowds even if you feel good. Keep at least six feet of distance between you and others.
• Wash your hands. A lot. For a long time (at least 20 seconds). Any soap will do.
• Disinfect your phone and other items you handle frequently, like car keys, remote controls, electronics, etc.
• Keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear a mask when you go out in public. It doesn’t have to be a surgical mask – tie a bandana around your face or make your own mask.
• If you find yourself without a mask, cover your coughs and sneezes! Use your elbow or cough/sneeze inside your shirt. Better yet, use a tissue or disposable towel and throw it away.
• If you think that you’re symptomatic, stay home. Use grocery and other delivery services so that you don’t have to leave your home and risk endangering others.
• Maintain healthy eating and exercise habits, including brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Get plenty of sleep.
• Find outlets to help release the pressure and stress of this unprecedented situation: add more comedy to your viewing/reading routines; try activities like yoga, tai chi, and meditation; stay connected via video phone calls.

TRU Dentistry Austin welcomes emergencies and will see patients after-hours so no one has to endure pain during this time. Contact us or call 737-203-8538 at any time of day.