Measuring harmful levels of bacteria in dental aerosols
Article Abstract:
The amount and type of microorganisms present in sprays generated in the course of dental treatment (dental aerosols) were studied. Microorganisms were collected during a 10-second period with a filter unit placed near the dental operator's face during drilling, which used an aerosol spray (extraoral samples); or near the saliva ejector (intraoral) during cavity preparation. Control samples were collected in the same way but without the aerosol spray. After an incubation period of several days, the number of colonies of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus (S.) sanguis (organisms found only in the mouth) were counted and the results expressed as colony-forming units (CFU). Results from the extraoral controls indicated that room ambient air contained low levels of S. mutans and S. sanguis. The number of CFU on the intraoral filter for both organisms after 10 seconds of drilling was greatly elevated; together, they accounted for 35 percent of the bacteria recovered from the filters. The extraoral filter contained 5 percent of the organisms present on the intraoral filter, indicating that bacterial counts decline sharply as the distance from the aerosol's source increases. It is likely that the organisms were present in the aerosols as a result of cutting tooth surfaces. The levels of mutans streptococci in the intraoral samples were high enough for the bacteria to spread throughout the mouth, a potential cause of tooth decay. It would even be possible for the patient to inhale the contaminated aerosol, in the worst case developing an aspiration pneumonia. Recommendations are made that patients rinse their mouths with antimicrobial drugs before drilling and that rubber dams and high-speed suction be used during the procedure. Personnel should use gloves, masks, eyewear, and other safety techniques. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1991
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Using the international normalized ratio to standardize prothrombin time
Article Abstract:
Dentists can measure the international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking anticoagulants to determine whether the patient can undergo dental procedures safely. Anticoagulants are commonly used by people with artificial heart valves, arrhythmias or a history of stroke. The INR is a way of determining whether the patient is adequately protected by the drug from the risk of blood clot formation. The patient will have to stop taking the drug several days before the dental procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1997
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Myths of dental surgery in patients: receiving anticoagulant therapy
Article Abstract:
The use of an anti-coagulant, such as warfarin for dental surgery has two sides, and the author weighs them against the good of the patient. While there might be fear of more bleeding than usual, he points to the fact that the possibility of embolism is a much more significant and likely threat, and that use of an anticoagulant during surgery should be maintained throughout.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2000
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