Researchers in the United States have recently conducted a groundbreaking study on splatter contamination during oral surgery procedures. The team, based at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, examined the patterns of splatter created by rotary instruments and irrigation. Their findings have important implications for the future of oral surgery and the safety of both patients and providers.
In the study, which was published in Clinical Oral Investigations, researchers performed experiments on patient simulators, specifically focusing on the surgical extraction of molars. They explored four different combinations of operations, including the use of saline or hydrogen peroxide with either self-irrigating drills or hand irrigation.
After completing a total of 52 procedures, the researchers collected splatter on glass fiber prefilters. They then photographed the prefilters under UV light to analyze the extent of contamination. 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 masks, and the corner of the operatory were also affected.
Interestingly, the use of hydrogen peroxide as an irrigant led to a larger area of droplet splatter compared to saline. This finding challenges the common practice of using hydrogen peroxide rinses as a pre-procedural rinse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that using hydrogen peroxide may actually increase the risk of spreading droplets during oral surgery procedures.
Lead author Dr. Rachel Uppgaard emphasizes the importance of these findings for the future of the field. By understanding the patterns and impact of irrigation, dental professionals will be able to make evidence-based decisions to improve clinical practices.
In light of the high levels of splatter on the operator and assistant’s face shields, the study also recommends continuing the use of personal protective equipment, such as face shields, during oral surgery.
Overall, this study sheds new light on the contamination patterns during oral surgery and raises important considerations for the use of irrigation and protective measures in dental procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was the focus of the study conducted by the researchers?
The study focused on examining the patterns of splatter contamination created by rotary instruments and irrigation during oral surgery.
Q: What were the key findings of the study?
The study found that the most significant splatter occurred on the patient’s chest, followed by the assistant’s face shield. It also revealed that using hydrogen peroxide as an irrigant increased the area of droplet splatter compared to saline.
Q: What implications does the study have for the use of hydrogen peroxide rinses?
The study suggests that using hydrogen peroxide as a pre-procedural rinse may actually increase the risk of spreading droplets during dental procedures, challenging the common practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What recommendations were made regarding personal protective equipment?
Given the high levels of splatter on the operator and assistant’s face shields, the study recommends continuing the use of face shields as part of personal protective equipment during oral surgery.