A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry has shed light on the patterns of splatter contamination during oral surgery procedures. This groundbreaking study is the first of its kind to examine the splatter created by rotary instruments and irrigation in oral surgery, providing valuable insights for improving safety measures for both dental professionals and patients.
The study involved an experiment using manikins to simulate the surgical extraction of molars with various combinations of operations and irrigation methods. A total of 52 procedures were conducted, and splatter was collected on prefilters that were later examined under UV light.
The results of the study revealed that the most significant splatter occurred on the patient’s chest, followed by the assistant’s face shield. The operator’s face shield, face mask, and the corner of the operatory also showed evidence of splatter. Furthermore, the study found that the use of hydrogen peroxide as an irrigant increased the area of droplet splatter when compared to saline.
Lead author Dr. Rachel Uppgaard highlighted the importance of this study for the field of oral surgery, stating, “To finally have evidence on the impact of our use of irrigation is very important for the future of our field. We can’t do surgery without it, but now we know more about the patterns generated and can make evidence-based decisions regarding our clinical practice.”
Interestingly, the study also raised concerns about the use of hydrogen peroxide as a pre-procedural rinse. While hydrogen peroxide has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study suggests that it may actually increase the risk of spreading droplets when used as an irrigant. Co-author Dr. Boyen Huang emphasized the potential implications of these findings, stating, “It could change the pre-existing ideas about using hydrogen peroxide to prevent COVID-19 in patient clinics.”
In light of the high levels of splatter observed on the operator and assistant’s face shields, the study also suggests the continued use of face shields as part of personal protective equipment in oral surgery.
This study provides important insights into the patterns of splatter contamination during oral surgery procedures and raises important considerations for the future of safety measures in the field. Dental professionals can now make evidence-based decisions on irrigation methods and pre-procedural rinses to minimize the risk of splatter contamination and enhance patient and provider safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was the focus of the study conducted by researchers?
A: The study examined the patterns of splatter contamination created by rotary instruments and irrigation during oral surgery procedures.
Q: What were the key findings of the study?
A: The study found that the most significant splatter occurred on the patient’s chest and the assistant’s face shield. It also revealed that the use of hydrogen peroxide as an irrigant increased the area of droplet splatter.
Q: What are the implications of the study’s findings on the use of hydrogen peroxide as a pre-procedural rinse?
A: The study suggests that using hydrogen peroxide as an irrigant may increase the risk of spreading droplets during dental procedures, challenging its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 in patient clinics.
Q: What recommendations did the study make regarding personal protective equipment?
A: Given the high level of splatter on the operator and assistant’s face shields, the study suggests the continued use of face shields in oral surgery as part of personal protective equipment.