Continuing his COVID-19 FAQ series, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses if it is safe for myeloma patients to go in to the dentist for any routine dental care while the coronavirus pandemic remains a concern.

BOTTOM LINE:
It is safe for myeloma patients to visit the dentist. Continue to practice caution while in transit.

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IMF Chairman Brian G.M. Durie, MD welcomes your questions about the latest myeloma treatments, research, controversies and quality of life issues. If you have a question you think might be of interest to the myeloma community, please send to [email protected]!

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Videos in the COVID-19 Series

• FAQ #1: How can myeloma pts reduce the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus?
• FAQ #2: What do myeloma patients need to know about COVID-19?
• FAQ #3: Do myeloma patients need to adjust their treatment?
• FAQ #4: What are some of the treatment modifications myeloma patients should consider?
• FAQ #5: What are the risk factors that could lead myeloma patients to develop serious consequences from the COVID-19 infection?
• FAQ #6: What precautions should myeloma patients take when getting their groceries?
• FAQ #7: Is it safe for myeloma patients to take walks?
• FAQ #8: Is physical distancing still recommended for myeloma patients?
• FAQ #9: Can myeloma patients avoid contracting the COVID-19 infection?
• FAQ #10: Should Myeloma patients undergo routine COVID-19 antibody testing?
• FAQ #11: Are MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients considered to be at higher risk for severe consequences from a COVID-19 infection?
• FAQ #12: If a myeloma patient takes Revlimid® (lenalidomide) as maintenance treatment, should this patient continue with that treatment during the pandemic?
• FAQ #13: Is it safe for myeloma patients to resume in-person doctors' visits?
• FAQ #14: Should myeloma patients undergo ASCT during the pandemic?
• FAQ #15: Is dexamethasone helpful against the COVID-19 infection?
• FAQ #16: Is it safe for myeloma patients to travel by airplane?
• FAQ #17: How high of a risk do asymptomatic carriers pose to myeloma patients?
• FAQ #18: Is Ninlaro® a safe treatment alternative for myeloma patients during the pandemic?
• FAQ #19: Should myeloma patients visit the dentist during the pandemic?

Transcript:

This week’s “Ask Dr. Durie” is actually from several patients who have the exact same question. Many patients really want to know right now, "during the COVID-19 crisis, is it safe to go to the dentist to get some routine work done?"

And so, this is a very legitimate concern. However, the answer, fortunately, is that it does appear to be okay and safe to go to the dentist. The American Dental Association has put very strict procedures in place. And, it turns out that the dentist office is, in fact, one of the safest places that patients can go, where there are masks for everyone, very, very, careful cleaning procedures. 

And so, it is one of those things where you have that natural concern. But it is a safe place to go. And, for routine work, this is mostly something very safe for a myeloma patient to plan and to go through with. 

And so, the BOTTOM LINE that I can offer is that it is safe to go but do be safe in your travels. With all these things right now, it’s important to travel safely, in your personal car, go with someone who would go to and from the dentist with you, perhaps. But, with that caveat, bottom line, it is safe to go to the dentist. And, it is, as you know, good to keep on top of any little issues with your teeth and make sure everything is in good shape, so, good news on this.   

Dr. Brian G.M. Durie serves as Chairman of the International Myeloma Foundation and serves on its Scientific Advisory Board. Additionally, he is Chairman of the IMF's International Myeloma Working Group, a consortium of nearly 200 myeloma experts from around the world. Dr. Durie also leads the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative®.