Aerosols are dangerous. Shall I delay dental treatments?

Dr Vrata Shetty, a respected endodontist (root canal specialist) practicing in Dubai shares her view on aerosols, measures taken to protect against dangers from them, and recommended course of actions when patients undergo tooth pain.

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Dr. Vrata Shetty

Dentist
Rex Medical Centre

What is aerosol and why is it a big concern during COVID-19?

In root canal, we require to access the canals, and for that the dental drill has to be used.
But the problem with the dental drill is that this produces a lot of aerosols. Aerosols are extremely small, very very small in particle size. Because of this it gets carried on to several meters away. A big concern with the aerosols is the continued presence of it in the operatory even after we have stopped the procedure. So it can actually stay in the operating room anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours. And this increases the risk of cross-contamination between patients as well as between the patients and the dental team.

What safety precautions are taken to minimize the risk of aerosol?

Standard operating protocols for dental procedures have always been stringent and we've always followed them. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are only adding to this now. We've become more vigilant regarding our practice with the procedures like the use of PPE rubber dams and we have increased the use of high-volume suction now. And also there are extra aerosol suction units that are being utilized.

The other changes we have made is increased time between patients, so there is no cross-contamination between patients. And there is sanitization protocol that is strictly in place to make sure the patients who walk in are safe. I don't think the anxiety should be the cause for you to stay back and suffer. Especially when it comes to dental pain, I can tell you that it is only going to get worse, unless you get the right medication or the right consultation in place.

*Disclaimer: Please consider the information in this video/article most recent as per date and medical recommendations towards COVID-19 may change as the situation evolves.