Aerosols in Dentistry: The Coveted Invivible Enemy
Veena Shankar1, Pranitha Kakarla2, Bintee Koirala3, Karthik D Yadav4* and Anisha Yaji5
1Master of Dental Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Ballari, India
2Master of Dental Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics, SJM Dental College and Hospital, Chitradurga, India
3Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Consultant at Dental Enclave, India
4Master of Dental Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KGF College of Dental Sciences, India
5Master of Dental Surgery, Consultant at Dental Enclave, India
*Corresponding Author: Karthik D Yadav, Master of Dental Surgery, Assistant
Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KGF College of Dental
Sciences, India.
Received: June 13, 2022; Published: July 05, 2022
Abstract
COVID-19 has brought the world to its knees, with dental specialty has been the worst hit due to the proximity of the patient to the dentist as well as the need for the removal of the mask for the work to be performed. Aerosols are defined as particles of size less than 50 micrometers in diameter, capable of staying airborne for a comprehensive period in air before they settle down on stable surfaces with the capability to infiltrate and lodge in the smaller tracks of the respiratory tract. These have the greatest potential for transmitting infections. The physical, chemical and the environmental barrier form the three sides of the triangle and help in damage control. These precautionary measures are mandatory in any practice but are rarely followed completely and require reinforcement measures to make it compliant with all the practicing dentists. Further, an awareness program included in the study period as well as in the continuing dental education may play a pivotal role in reminding the dentist of its importance and its implementation at their practice.
Keywords: Aerosols; Dentistry; COVID-19
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