Abstract
The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.
Highlights
We are being affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1]
In prosthodontic practice, professionals are exposed to infections through aerosol-generating dental equipment, such as high-speed rotation burs and air-water syringes, and through direct contact with an asymptomatic patient or with prosthodontic materials contaminated with saliva.[1,2]
A prosthodontist is at high risk for exposure to the new coronavirus because of constant exposure to aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances
Summary
We are being affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1] As of October 27th, there are more than 44 million confirmed cases and over 1,166,000 million deaths worldwide, with Brazil ranking the third and second highest position in the number of cases and deaths, respectively (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). In prosthodontic practice, professionals are exposed to infections through aerosol-generating dental equipment, such as high-speed rotation burs and air-water syringes, and through direct contact with an asymptomatic patient or with prosthodontic materials contaminated with saliva.[1,2] Recently, the World Health Organization issued an alert about the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through air because droplets and aerosols generated during coughing or sneezing may remain suspended for a long time before entering the body through the respiratory tract or via ocular contact.[2]
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