Abstract
The purpose of this commentary is to update the evidence reported in our previous review on the advantages and limitations of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology in the promotion of dental business, as well as to guarantee patient and occupational safety. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented focus on infection prevention; however, waves of COVID-19 follow one another, asymptomatic cases are nearly impossible to identify by triage in a dental setting, and the effectiveness of long-lasting immune protection through vaccination remains largely unknown. Different national laws and international guidelines (mainly USA-CDC, ECDC) have often brought about dissimilar awareness and operational choices, and in general, there has been very limited attention to this technology. Here, we discuss its advantages and limitations in light of: (a) presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity, saliva, and dental biofilm and activation of dormant microbial infections; (b) the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosol and fomite contamination; (c) the detection of various oral manifestations of COVID-19; (d) specific information for the reprocessing of the scanner tip and the ward from the manufacturers.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing digital technology (DT) towards becoming one of the most crucial and irreplaceable technologies in dentistry, due to its ability to provide serenity regarding safety, increase workflow efficiency, and likely increase profit as well [1,2,3]
It is well known that computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has major advantages that go beyond infection prevention, and which are widely discussed in other papers surrounding this issue
Our purpose is to update the evidence reported in our previous review, on account of the significant changes in dentistry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [6]
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing digital technology (DT) towards becoming one of the most crucial and irreplaceable technologies in dentistry, due to its ability to provide serenity regarding safety, increase workflow efficiency, and likely increase profit as well [1,2,3]. In an era of infectious diseases, dental patient safety must always be guaranteed when using all forms of dental technology [4,5]. It is well known that CAD/CAM technology has major advantages that go beyond infection prevention, and which are widely discussed in other papers surrounding this issue. Our purpose is to update the evidence reported in our previous review, on account of the significant changes in dentistry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [6]
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