COVID-19 Dentistry-Related Aspects: A Literature Overview

Abstract

A new coronavirus (Sars‐CoV‐2) was detected in China at the end of 2019 and has since caused a worldwide pandemic. This virus is responsible for an acute respiratory syndrome (COVID‐19), distinguished by a potentially lethal interstitial bilateral pneumonia. Because Sars‐CoV‐2 is highly infective through airborne contamination, the high infection risk in the dental environment is a serious problem for both professional practitioners and patients. This literature overview provides a description of the clinical aspects of COVID‐19 and its transmission, while supplying valuable information regarding protection and prevention measures.

Recommendations, Practices and Infrastructural Model for the Dental Radiology Set-up in Clinical and Academic Institutions in the COVID-19 Era

“…These surfaces in the dental operatory can be a potential source of disease transmission [ 13 ]. It has been reported that SARS CoV-2 virus can remain viable on various inanimate objects such as metal, wood, plastic and cardboard can range from 4 to 72 h [ 21 ].…”

“…Most common manifestation includes fever, respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, cough and dyspnoea) and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting [ 23 ]. Recently dysgeusia and anosmia are also reported in many cases of COVID 19 patients [ 21 ].…”

“…The PPE comprises of a protective eyewear, a full cover body gown, mask, head cap and standard vinyl surgical gloves [ 9 ]. However, while dealing with known infected cases the standards of PPE must be upgraded such as usage of N95 respirators/filtering face piece (FFP-2)/FFP-3 [ 13 , 21 , 39 ]. It is essential for the personals working in the dental radiology set-up to undergo training about the infection control protocols, disinfection methods and the disposal of bio-hazardous.…”

“… Intraoral imaging—With the maximum possibility of transmission of disease and cross contamination with the involved salivary exposure, it has become the least preferred imaging option during this pandemic [ 57 ]. Intraoral imaging can induce hypersalivation, vomiting or coughing which can be a potential source of infection [ 21 ]. However, it’s wider availability, high resolution images and less radiation exposure made it the fundamental imaging option in pre pandemic era [ 33 ].…”

Manejo Multidisciplinario de la Cavidad Oral en Pacientes COVID-19 bajo Ventilación Mecánica Invasiva. Rol del Equipo Odontológico

“…-Bandeja de curación (con pinza quirúrgica) -Clorhexidina (CHX) 0,12 % -Peróxido de hidrogeno 1 % (Checchi et al, 2020) -Gasa -Compresas -Silicona por adición -Dispositivo intraoral individual (abre boca individualizado, estándar o tornillo de disyunción maxilar tipo Hyrax modificado e individualizado con silicona por adición) -Gel humectante de mucosas (Sucralfato) -Lámpara Luz Led de Baja Potencia (Laser Therapy DMC)…”