At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. The health and well-being of our patients, employees and community remains our priority. Therefore, the practice is complying with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order which limits medical and dental procedures to only those that are deemed emergent.
Below is a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that may be helpful for those who may need oral surgical care during the current crisis:
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is an event which involves infection, fractures, trauma or pathology with the potential for serious consequences. If you are unsure about whether or not your situation is an emergency, please contact us by sending an email via our website, texasoralsurgery.com.
Refer to the end of the article for more important information about contacting us at NWOMS.
Is it safe to come to a Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office? What precautions are being taken to make sure the environment is safe?
It is safe to come to an NWOMS office for emergency care. Outside of this crisis, our office routinely implements established procedures for preventing and minimizing the introduction and spread of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. This process has been enhanced in extent and frequency due to this crisis. Adherence to strict sanitary and disinfection standards as outlined by the ADA, OHSA, and CDC is a fundamental function of our profession. Additionally, we are doing the following to make sure you are safe:
- NWOMS employees are screened and evaluated daily for risk and symptoms of COVID-19 including a temperature check.
- Prior to scheduling an appointment, patients will be screened via telephone for COVID-19 risk factors. Those who are considered at risk for carrying the virus will be redirected to an emergency treatment facility.
- Upon arrival at an NWOMS office, patients will be required to complete a questionnaire to determine risk and temperature will be checked. Anyone accompanying a patient will also be screened and temperature checked.
- Patients are encouraged to complete registration online to reduce the amount of time in the office and the risk of exposure via pens and papers.
- The number of patients and caregivers in the waiting room will be limited and social distancing will be enforced. Only one (1) caregiver may accompany a patient to an appointment.
- Caregivers for surgery patients will be asked to wait in their cars until the patient is ready for discharge. Once screened and checked in, patients may also return to their car and wait until called for surgery.
- Waiting areas are disinfected each morning, evening and throughout the day. All reading materials have been removed. Hand sanitizers are available to patients, caregivers and employees.
- Exam rooms and operatories are disinfected between each patient (as has been the case before the COVID pandemic). Employees are required to wash hands frequently, avoid handshakes, and maintain a distance of six feet when possible.
I am not a current patient. Can I still make an appointment with an NWOMS surgeon for a dental emergency?
The surgeons at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will see new patients that are indeed experiencing a dental emergency.
Can I use my health insurance for emergency care?
Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is an in-network provider for most dental insurances. If timing and circumstances allow, insurance benefits will be verified, and we will provide patients with their estimated out-of-pocket amount due at the time of surgery. If insurance benefits cannot be verified, Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will collect the full amount due at the time of surgery. In this case, we will file the insurance claim* for the patient and the patient can expect to be reimbursed.
I am in the middle of treatment and scheduled to get my implant placed. Can I schedule an appointment?
Implant placement is not considered emergent care and will be postponed until we resume normal operations.
Will I need to return to the office for a follow-up appointment?
To minimize the number of people coming in and out of our office, we will do virtual follow-ups when appropriate via phone calls. If necessary, a follow-up appointment in the office will be scheduled.
What is the best way to contact Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?
Our offices will be open each day; however, we are working varied and limited hours. The best way to contact us is to:
- Call the office and speak with one of our Patient Coordinators.
- If there is not an answer, leave a voice message. Voice mail will be retrieved and calls will be returned daily.
- Contact us via email. Go to texasoralsurgery.com to complete and submit the “Contact Us” form. Email will be checked and answered throughout the day.
- If it is an after-hours emergency, patients should contact the on-call surgeon by calling 713-428-6159.
*In-network plans