How to Reduce COVID-19 Risk During Dental Visit?

Dentists can reduce COVID-19 spreading risk by carrying out aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) during dental treatments.

Dentists can increase the patient flow during COVID-19 pandemic by switching the drills they use, according to new research published in Journal of Dental Research.

The study led by the University of Leeds investigated whether different types of drills used by dentist increased or reduced the spread of aerosol spray. Reduced aerosol spray provides a safer environment for patients and the dental team.

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‘Lower speed electric drills can create a safer dental visit during COVID-19 pandemic.’

Instead of simply mapping the spread of water spray during treatment, the research team introduced a virus that is similar in size and structure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

The findings of study also show that the time taken to prepare safe surgeries between appointments can be reduced by changing drills, and will lead to more dental treatments.

Lead clinical author Professor Brian Nattress, from Leeds’ School of Dentistry, said: “The issue for dentists during the coronavirus pandemic is that their routine work involves creating an aerosol spray in a confined space with an associated risk of airborne spread of COVID-19.

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This is the first time the spread of a harmless COVID-19-like virus has been analysed during routine drilling procedures.

Since reopening after pandemic, patients visiting a dentist may be asymptomatic carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In order to handle this, strict regulations have been introduced to ensure work areas are safe and prepared appropriately between appointments.

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Additional protective measures have been required for the dental team delivering patient care. This has led to much longer gaps between treating patients.

During the new research tests, use of the electric drill rather than an air drill led to a 99.98% reduction in aerosol spread of the virus into the air.

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When a dental suction tool was added, there was no detectable virus on surfaces or in air samples taken six to 10 minutes afterwards.

The recommendation made in this study will help more people to access the dental care they need. The research team is calling for further and essential studies to find different strategies to control the spread of dental aerosols and help to reduce the backlog of patients.

Source-Medindia