Here’s when to keep your appointment — and when to stay home.
Woke up with a sore throat or stuffy nose the morning of your dental appointment? You might be wondering:
Should I still go to the dentist, or should I cancel?
The short answer: If you’re contagious or feeling unwell, it’s best to reschedule.
Let’s walk through when it’s okay to go — and when staying home is the better choice for you, your dental team, and other patients.
✅ When It’s Okay to Keep Your Appointment
You can likely still attend your dental visit if:
- Your symptoms are very mild (like minor allergies or a lingering cough after recovery)
- You’re no longer contagious and feeling well enough to attend
- You’ve cleared it with your doctor (if you’re recovering from something more serious)
- You communicate any recent illness with your dental office ahead of time
Always give your clinic a heads-up so they can take any needed precautions.
🚫 When You Should Reschedule Your Appointment
Please stay home and call your dentist to reschedule if you’re experiencing:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat, body aches, or fatigue
- Coughing, sneezing, or runny nose that’s hard to manage
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
- Recent positive test for flu, COVID-19, or other contagious illness
- You’ve been sick within the past 24–48 hours and aren’t yet recovered
This helps protect:
- You, since lying back in the chair can make breathing more uncomfortable when congested
- Your dental team, who works in close contact
- Other patients, especially seniors, children, or those with weakened immune systems
🤝 What If It’s a Last-Minute Cancellation?
We understand — colds and flus don’t give much notice. Most clinics (including ours) will happily reschedule your appointment, even on short notice, if you’re sick.
Just give us a call as soon as possible — we’ll find a new time that works for you.
💡 Tip: Let Us Know If You’re Recovering from an Illness
If you’re feeling mostly better but still have a lingering cough or mild symptoms, give our team a quick call. We’ll help you decide whether to keep or postpone your appointment based on your situation.
We may also suggest:
- Wearing a mask during non-treatment time
- Booking a quieter time of day
- Taking extra comfort measures if your energy is still low
Final Thoughts
Your health — and the health of our community — comes first. If you’re sick or unsure whether to attend your appointment, it’s always okay to call and check in with us.
Feeling under the weather? Contact our team today — we’ll help you make the right call and reschedule if needed, no stress or judgment.