Risks of Aerosol Contamination in Dental Procedures during the Second Wave of COVID-19—Experience and Proposals of Innovative IPC in Dental Practice
Maria Giovanna Gandolfi, Fausto Zamparini, Andrea Spinelli, Vittorio Sambri, Carlo Prati
Abstract
Dental-care workers operate very close to the patient's mouth and are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. Droplets may be contaminated by patient's saliva and exhaled breath particles. All asymptomatic patients should be considered as Coronavirus positive. All dental procedures must be revised after positive identification of SARS-Cov-2. Novel recommendations as the use of novel suction cannula designed for fast spray/saliva aspiration, use of Tyvek suits and innovative sprayhoods designed for dental-care worker protections are proposed to prevent virus transmission. New tailored operative and clinical procedures are being currently developed by university dental clinics and hospitals in attempt to reduce risk for dental workers and patients.