Guidelines for dental implants in the times of COVID-19.

Abstract

Since the first reported case in December 2019, COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic. Although primarily a zoonotic infection, human-to-human transmission is well reported now and the mode of spread is mainly via respiratory droplets during direct contact or via surfaces contaminated with the virus as it remains viable on the surfaces for a long time. Direct communication and consistent exposure to body fluids such as blood and saliva and the fact that routinely done dental procedures generate aerosols predisposing dental professionals to serious risk for COVID-19 infection. Hence, to ensure the smooth working and safety of dental professionals as well as the patients, a set of directives are of paramount importance. Various guidelines have been released for the efficient operation of dental professionals; however, no such recommendations/directives have been laid out pertaining to dental implants in particular. Here, we are presenting a set of recommendations for managing urgent implant-related treatment procedures.