Preventive Strategies, Risk Management and Treatment Protocol at Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Government Medical College Hospital, Nizamabad, Telangana, India: A Prospective Study and Mini Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract: Introductions: SARS-CoV-2, previously known as the 2019 novel Coronavirus, is an enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA virus responsible for COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has taken the world by surprise causing wide spread loss in terms of health, infra-structure, economy and development. Material and Methods: This is a prospective, cross sectional study with descriptive analysis of the data conducted over a period of 1 year. The study included patients who directly reported to the Dental Department and also patient’s referred from Peripheral health centers and District Hospitals of adjoining areas/districts. Demographic data included gender, age group, the region from where the patient represented. Inclusion Criteria: All patients presenting with elective and emergency dental procedures and maxillofacial trauma with or without associated injuries were included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients reporting for maxillofacial surgeries for cosmetic improvement 2. Patients with Dento-facial deformities indicated for Orthognathic surgery 3. Old cases of fractures with malunion and non-union Results: A total of 1940 patients attended dental department during the one year period from march 2020 – march 2021. As 540 patients were during the lockdown and severe containment measures period of 6 months. Rest 1440 patients were during the relaxed lockdown phase. Discussion: Coronaviruses are single stranded RNA viruses that have been implicated in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The virus has taken the world in general and human race in particular by surprise. Medical Professionals were challenged by the virus to understand the behavior of systemic involvement and for establishing treatment protocol. It was a race of time versus death. Not only the disease and its rapid transmission rate surprised and panicked the medical fraternity and society, the armamentarium, the professionalism and ethical behavior of people were challenged by this Corona Virus. The health care professionals must be well prepared, trained and must take all precautions while dealing in such pandemic. Dental surgeons across India have lost their lives during this pandemic and a report on their statistics and cause of death (either due to treatment of patients or by getting primarily infected) is not known and not in the scope of this article. Conclusion: 1. Inspite of the challenges posed, the dental unit remained functional throughout the lockdown phase. 2. Patients seeking dental care were attended and addressed appropriately. Acute pain management strategies were followed effectively. 3. 1940 patients during the phase of 3 containment zones is a significant number.