Our Summary

This research paper talks about how oral surgeons and their assistants are at risk of getting blood splatter on their face masks and head covers during oral surgery procedures. The researchers used a special test to detect blood on the masks and caps after different types of surgeries. They found that blood was present in nearly half of the samples they tested. Blood splatter was found in all types of surgeries, and in some cases, even the inside part of the face shield was contaminated. Interestingly, the surgeons and assistants weren’t aware they had blood on them in 40% of the cases. The study concludes that the likelihood of getting blood on oneself during tooth extraction and dental implant procedures is 46%, and this risk goes up if the surgery takes a long time or if high-speed tools are used. The paper suggests that wearing protective gear on the face should be compulsory during these procedures to prevent contamination. It also highlighted that blood splatter is often present even when it’s not immediately noticeable.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of oral surgeons and their assistants were found to have blood splatter on their face masks and head covers during surgery?
  2. What factors increase the likelihood of blood splatter during oral surgery procedures?
  3. What measures are suggested by the research to prevent contamination during oral surgery procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the oral surgeon. This may include things like avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, and practicing good oral hygiene to aid in the healing process and prevent complications. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery and successful outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay, misaligned jaws, facial trauma, oral infections, and other oral health issues that cannot be treated through routine dental procedures. Additionally, patients who require dental implants, bone grafting, or corrective jaw surgery may also be candidates for oral surgery. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or compromised immune systems, may also benefit from oral surgery to address their oral health needs. Ultimately, a consultation with an oral surgeon will help determine if oral surgery is the best course of treatment for a patient’s specific oral health concerns.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient consults with oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and plan for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, such as blood tests and X-rays
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to prepare for surgery
  • Patient receives pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery

During oral surgery:

  • Patient arrives at the surgical facility and is prepared for surgery by the surgical team
  • Anesthesia is administered to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure
  • Oral surgeon performs the surgery, which may include tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or other procedures
  • Surgical team monitors the patient’s vital signs and ensures their safety throughout the procedure

After oral surgery:

  • Patient wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery area
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding after surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions for care at home, such as dietary restrictions and medication management
  • Patient follows up with the oral surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves thorough preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and careful post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific oral surgery procedure do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  4. How long will the surgery take and what is the recovery process like?
  5. What post-operative care instructions should I follow?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. What are the alternatives to oral surgery for my condition?
  8. How experienced are you in performing this specific type of oral surgery?
  9. What type of protective gear do you and your assistants wear during oral surgery procedures?
  10. How do you ensure the safety and cleanliness of your operating room during oral surgery?

Reference

Authors: Aguilar-Duran L, Bara-Casaus JJ, Aguilar-Duran S, Valmaseda-Castellón E, Figueiredo R. Journal: J Am Dent Assoc. 2020 Jun;151(6):438-443. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.02.026. PMID: 32450982