Corona virus has transmitted throughout the world.It is quickly spreading virus affecting large population of world. In most cases disease is mild to moderate but in severe cases it becomes deadly.
As a very famous idiom
"PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE "
Is hundred percent true in this pandemic of covid.
This disease spread through air borne droplets and sticking it to hands and surfaces of different object, social distancing, gloves masks and washing hands are basic protocols for protection.
Dental surgery
Dental surgeon and staff are at greater risk as procedures have to perform in oral cavity of patient, the major source of virus spread.
Dental offices and surgeries are needed proper protocols to follow.
Protocols in dental surgery
Dentist and all staff should be educated and well trained about protocols and preventive measures against coronavirus.
Teledentistry
Treatment of patient through telefonic contact.in case where minor symptoms can be managed with medicines and home remedies, reassurance of patient and lateron appointment should be recommended.
If physical checkups and procedures are necessary these protocols are followed
1-before arrival of patient
: Appointment of patient on call should be made with exact timings.
: Ask patient to wait in car instead of waiting room.
:Educate regarding of visit rules and etiquette
: Recommendation of mask(not for those having breathing difficulty or unconscious)
: limits entry points of clinic.
: space appointments to minimize number of persons in clinic at any time
: hand washing and gloves wearing instructions
2 On arrival
Written instructions on panaflex and chats should be on prominent view.
Make sure of washing and sanitizing of hands before entering reception.
screening for coronavirus
: by taking temperature with infrared or noncontact thermometer .
: take history travelling of risk areas
: any complaint of coughing and sneezing.
: history of to come in contact with coronavirus patient.
If suspected for this viral infection send to infection control department.
3 -When with doctor
: 1 patient at a time with no attendant.
: doctor /dentist and assistan should wear
PPE.
: treatment should be restricted to necessary procedure .
: try to avoid aerosol producing procedure like scaling and cavity preparation with. handpiece etc.
: heavy suction,rubber dam isolation must be used.
: disposable items should be used whenever possible and appropriately discarded.
: advice patient to wash hand and wear mask again before leaving clinic.
4 - after leaving patient
: Dental unit will be clear and clean properly
: disinfect dental chair and all equipments used .
: operatry room should be disinfected with spray.
: gloves removed and handwash with soap for atleast 30 second .
Dental emergencies
Dental emergencies may be life threatening and need immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding, to alliviate pain and control infection .
These include
: Uncontrolled bleeding
: Cellulitis or soft tissue infection with intra oral or extra oral swelling that potentially compromise the patient airway.
: trauma to facial bones compromising airway.
Urgent dental care
Focuses on the management of conditions that require immidiate attention to relieve severe pain and controll infection.these should be treated as minimally invasive as possible .
: Severe dental pain by pulpitis
: Pericoronitis and impaction
: abscess or sinus fromation due to dental and gingival infection.
: biopsy of abnormal tissue
: tooth fracture causing pain
: broken restorations are causing gingival irritation
: snipping or piercing orthodontic wires causing ulceration of soft tissue.
: denture adjustment on radiology/ onchology patient.
: suture removal.