Mascarillas y máscaras de protección respiratoria en entorno COVID-19 / Surgical masks and respirators in COVID-19 environment

Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, es una enfermedad respiratoria causada por un coronavirus, el SARS-CoV-2. La ruta de trasmisión es a través de gotas y salpicaduras procedentes del tracto aerodigestivo de personas infectadas, así como por el contacto con superficies contaminadas y la posterior deposición en la mucosa de los ojos, nariz o boca, siendo probable su transmisión por aerosoles. Por otra parte, el trabajo dental no permite mantener una distancia de 2 metros, ni el uso por parte del paciente de mascarilla. Por esta razón, dentro del esquema de Equipos de Protección Individual (EPI), la protección respiratoria es fundamental, junto con la ocular, y con ello la selección de la mascarilla y, sobre todo, el uso que se haga de ella. La razón del presente artículo es describir los diferentes tipos de mascarillas y el uso apropiado de cada una de ellas según el objetivo buscado. Para ello, se recomendarán las mascarillas higiénicas y las quirúrgicas en usuarios generales, con la función de disminuir la trasmisión viral por medio de la minoración de la contaminación ambiental cuando es alta la trasmisión comunitaria. Las máscaras de protección respiratoria estarán indica-das en trabajadores sanitarios y otros en contacto con pacientes potencialmente infecciosos, al menos cuando los procedimientos de trabajo impliquen un riesgo elevado para el profesional

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads through droplets and spray from the respiratory tracts of infected persons, and through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the eyes, nose or mouth. It is also likely that the virus can be spread through aerosols. However, dentistry does not allow for a distance of two metres to be maintained, and nor does it allow for the patient to wear a mask. As such, within the scope of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), respiratory protection is of fundamental importance, along with eye protection and the correct usage of available masks. The purpose of this article is to describe different types of masks and the appropriate use of each one according to the required need. To this end, it is recommended that hygienic and surgical masks are used with a view to decreasing viral transmission through the reduction of environmental contamination whilst community transmission is high. Respiratory protection masks will be shown on health workers and others who are in contact with potentially infectious patients, when the work involved brings with it an increased level of risk for the worker

An assessment of the quality of care provided to orthognathic surgery patients through a multidisciplinary clinic.

The quality of care delivered to 74 patients undergoing orthognathic surgery was assessed using a patient satisfaction questionnaire and data collected from hospital case records. Surgical complications, hospital services, patient satisfaction, and impact on quality of life, were the main aspects considered. The majority of patients reported that their treatment objectives had been achieved and that they were satisfied with the quality of care provided. The main concern of the patients regarding the clinic was the waiting time before an appointment could be offered. Eating and breathing difficulties and low mood after surgery were the main reported complications. Sixty-three patients experienced post-operative weight loss. The importance of a nutritious, high calorie soft diet should be emphasised and the use of menthol inhalations following maxillary osteotomies should be considered more frequently. Clinicians should be aware of post-operative low mood, which may require psychological support. We developed a sensitive assessment battery with comprehensive parameters to audit quality of orthognathic surgery service, and recommend that a similar approach should be considered by teams which undertake management of orthognathic patients.

Time-dependent recontamination rates of sterilised dental instruments.

OBJECTIVES: To determine time-related recontamination rates of sterilised instruments, following guidance from the UK Department of Health (HTM 01-05) that such instruments within primary dental care may only be stored for 60 days following sterilisation using a vacuum autoclave. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 used examination mirrors underwent a washer-disinfector cycle, individual packaging and finally vacuum autoclaving. Immediately after autoclaving, time zero, five mirrors were tested for microbial contamination by aerobic and anaerobic culture. At 31, 60, 90 and 124 days a further five mirrors were removed from their packaging and were similarly tested for microbial contamination. RESULTS: There was no bacterial growth on blood-enriched media under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions after 5 days of incubation at 37°C at any time period from 0 to 124 days post-sterilisation. CONCLUSIONS: There was no recontamination of sterilised instruments in this investigation over the test period of 124 days. This exceeds the recommended limit of 60 days stated by the UK Department of Health. The new guidance, HTM 01-05, appears to place an extra burden on primary care dentists. This burden is not without associated costs, and at present does not appear to be based on published evidence.

Use of rubber dams during root canal treatment in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Isolation of teeth with rubber dams is an important procedure for infection control in dentistry, especially in endodontic treatment. This study surveyed the prevalence of rubber dam usage in nonsurgical root canal treatment (RCT) by dentists under the National Health Insurance system in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 1,332 completed RCT cases were randomly selected from a large database from the Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan in 2004. The radiographs and dental charts of the selected cases were evaluated for the prevalence of rubber dam usage in RCT. The frequencies of rubber dam usage for RCT by dentists were compared between hospitals and private dental clinics and among six different regions in Taiwan. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of rubber dam usage for RCT by dentists under the National Health Insurance system in Taiwan was 16.5%. The frequency of rubber dam usage for RCT by dentists in hospitals (32.8%) was significantly higher than that (10.3%) in private dental clinics (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of rubber dam usage for RCT by dentists among six different geographic regions in Taiwan. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of rubber dam usage for RCT by dentists in Taiwan is relatively low. Because rubber dam isolation of an endodontically-treated tooth can provide better infection control, increase patient protection, and improve treatment efficiency, there is an urgent need to advise dentists in Taiwan to use rubber dams for every RCT case.

An audit to assess the quality and efficiency of complete and partial dentures delivered by junior hospital staff.

The average number of visits for the construction of metal-based and acrylic dentures by junior hospital staff was 10 visits. Our hypothesis was that supervision would optimise the number of visits and reduce any need for remakes. The first audit cycle was retrospective and included all patients treated by SHOs in the Prosthodontics Department. The standard of care was compared to the British Society for the Study of Prosthetic Dentistry. The re-audit showed that the time taken to completion was reduced by 2 visits for both denture types and the average length of time was reduced from 31 weeks to 22 weeks. These improvements were directly related to improved supervision by senior staff.

Fibroodontoma ameloblástico: revisión de la literatura y reporte de dos casos / Ameloblastic fibroodontoma

El fibroodontoma ameloblástico (FOA) es una neoplasia benigna poco frecuente, con crecimiento lento y expansivo. Se presentan dos casos diagnosticados por hallazgo durante un examen radiográfico efectuado por retraso de la erupción dentaria, en los que se aplicaron diferentes criterios de tratamiento quirúrgico. Se revisan las características clínicas y anatomopatológicas de esta rara entidad.

The Ameloblastic Fibroodontoma is an unfrequent benign neoplasma characterized by slow growth and swallowing. This report describes two cases diagnosed during a radiographicexam conducted by delayed tooth eruption. In these cases, different surgical treatments were applied, with satisfactory final results in both. The clinical and pathological features of thisrare entity are revised.

Fibroodontoma ameloblástico: revisión de la literatura y reporte de dos casos / Ameloblastic fibroodontoma

El fibroodontoma ameloblástico (FOA) es una neoplasia benigna poco frecuente, con crecimiento lento y expansivo. Se presentan dos casos diagnosticados por hallazgo durante un examen radiográfico efectuado por retraso de la erupción dentaria, en los que se aplicaron diferentes criterios de tratamiento quirúrgico. Se revisan las características clínicas y anatomopatológicas de esta rara entidad.(AU)

The Ameloblastic Fibroodontoma is an unfrequent benign neoplasma characterized by slow growth and swallowing. This report describes two cases diagnosed during a radiographicexam conducted by delayed tooth eruption. In these cases, different surgical treatments were applied, with satisfactory final results in both. The clinical and pathological features of thisrare entity are revised.(AU)

Fracturas faciales: análisis retrospectivo. Servicio de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello, División Maxilofacial del Hospital Córdoba / Facial fractures: a retrospective analysis. Head and Neck Surgery Service, Maxillofacial Division, Cordoba Hospital

Introducción: el propósito de este estudio es analizar las fracturas maxilofaciales recibidas, a lo largode un año, por el Servicio de Cabeza y Cuello División Maxilofacial del Hospital Córdoba. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 60 pacientes incluidos en este estudio.Se analizaron las causas del traumatismo, la edad, el sexo, la localización, el tratamiento y el tipode anestesia usado. Resultados: El 77 por ciento fueron hombres de 20 a 29 años de edad. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron las mandibulares (60 por ciento). Entre las causas más frecuentes, los accidentes de tránsito (50 por ciento) se ubican en primer lugar, luego le siguen en orden decreciente accidentes domésticos, riñas, accidentes laborales, deportes y, por último, accidentes con armas de fuego. En el 43,33 por ciento se realizaron tratamientos con placas de titanio; en el 30 por ciento, bloqueo intermaxilar; en el 16,67 por ciento no se realizó tratamiento y el 10 por ciento se trataron en forma ortopédica. El 59,1 por ciento de los pacientes tratados recibieron anestesia general; el 40,9 por ciento, local. Discusión: Estudios consultados poseen datos semejantes a los aquí publicados; las diferencias pueden encontrarse sobre las localizaciones más frecuentes de fracturas y las causas de éstas,que pueden relacionarse con la actividad que se desarrolla en cercanía al centro de trauma o su zona de ubicación.

Fracturas faciales: análisis retrospectivo. Servicio de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello, División Maxilofacial del Hospital Córdoba / Facial fractures: a retrospective analysis. Head and Neck Surgery Service, Maxillofacial Division, Cordoba Hospital

Introducción: el propósito de este estudio es analizar las fracturas maxilofaciales recibidas, a lo largode un año, por el Servicio de Cabeza y Cuello División Maxilofacial del Hospital Córdoba. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 60 pacientes incluidos en este estudio.Se analizaron las causas del traumatismo, la edad, el sexo, la localización, el tratamiento y el tipode anestesia usado. Resultados: El 77 por ciento fueron hombres de 20 a 29 años de edad. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron las mandibulares (60 por ciento). Entre las causas más frecuentes, los accidentes de tránsito (50 por ciento) se ubican en primer lugar, luego le siguen en orden decreciente accidentes domésticos, riñas, accidentes laborales, deportes y, por último, accidentes con armas de fuego. En el 43,33 por ciento se realizaron tratamientos con placas de titanio; en el 30 por ciento, bloqueo intermaxilar; en el 16,67 por ciento no se realizó tratamiento y el 10 por ciento se trataron en forma ortopédica. El 59,1 por ciento de los pacientes tratados recibieron anestesia general; el 40,9 por ciento, local. Discusión: Estudios consultados poseen datos semejantes a los aquí publicados; las diferencias pueden encontrarse sobre las localizaciones más frecuentes de fracturas y las causas de éstas,que pueden relacionarse con la actividad que se desarrolla en cercanía al centro de trauma o su zona de ubicación.(AU)

Changes and factors associated with dentists' willingness to treat patients with severe disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated changes in dentists' willingness to treat severely disabled patients and to understand dentists' opinions on reimbursements after the implementation of a dental care financial reward program in Taiwan. METHODS: Three hundred dentists from 29 teaching hospitals were randomly selected to answer a structured questionnaire, and 184 structured questionnaires were returned. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with dentists' willingness to treat severely disabled patients. RESULTS: Approximately 60% of the dentists said reimbursements for treatment of severely disabled patients were reasonable. 50.4% of dentists were willing or very willing to treat disabled patients. Seventy-nine percent dentists affected by the program had a higher willingness but 83.7% dentists said this program did not make a significant difference to their income. 52.8% of dentists agreed the program would increase the quality of dental care. The factors significantly affecting dentists' willingness included dentist's age, specialty field, perception of the program in promoting the quality of dental services, and perception of the ability to provide adequate treatments for severely disabled patients. CONCLUSIONS: The rewards program significantly increased the willingness of most hospital-base dentists to treat the severely disabled patients although the effect of incentive to their income was limited.

Infection control knowledge and practices among dentists and dental nurses at a Jordanian University Teaching Center.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding compliance with infection control precautions in the dental settings in the Middle East is scant. OBJECTIVE: To examine the knowledge and practices in infection control among dental staff and dental nurses at a university teaching dental center. METHODS: A self-administered, confidential questionnaire concerning various aspects of infection control knowledge and practices was distributed to 48 dental staff and 28 dental nurses working at the Jordan University of Science and Technology Dental Teaching Center. RESULTS: Responses came from 37 (77%) dental teaching staff members and 23 (82%) dental nurses. Of the dental staff participants, 95% received hepatitis B immunization in comparison with 87% of the dental nurses. Dental nurses were more prone to percutaneous dental injuries (P < .05). In both groups, 100% reported routine wearing of gloves. Although the dental staff reported a statistically higher frequency of washing hands before gloving (46%), dental nurses reported a higher frequency of washing hands after removing the gloves (100%). Dental staff reported statistically higher frequency of routine mask use (43%) than dental nurses (30%). CONCLUSION: Compliance with recommended guidelines for control of cross infection varied among the 2 tested groups. A need exists for proper practice of infection control by both dental staff and dental nurses.

Estado gingivoperiodontal en niños trasplantados renales / Gingivo-periodontal status in kidney transplantation children

El propósito de este trabajo fue establecer las asociaciones entre el estado gingivoperiodontal, las medicaciones, momento de adquisición de la insuficiencia y tiempo de trasplante en niños trasplantados renales bajo medicación inmunosupresora. Fueron seleccionados 39 niños trasplantados renales entre 4 y 19 años de edad (X = 12.03 +- 3.71 (DS)), atendidos en el Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital Nacional Juan P. Garrahan, sin tratamiento preventivo bucal, durante los 2 años previos a la iniciación del estudio. Los indicadores evaluados fueron: momento de inicio de la insuficiencia, tiempo de transplante, tipo de donante (cadavérico/familiar), y las variables farmacológicas: inmunosupresores, antihipertensivos y corticoesteroides. Las variables clínicas registradas fueron: índice de agrandamiento gingival (McGaw)(AG), índice de placa dental (Silness y Loe)(IP), hemorragia al sondaje simplificado (HSS) y profundidad al sondaje (PS). Se calcularon media y error estándar, X2, coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, media de tiempo de transplante, distribución de frecuencia. Los resultados revelaron una HS = 0.78 +- 0.02; PS = 1.88 +- 0.11; IP = 0.78 +- 0.11; AG = 2.08 +- 0.11. El 94,9 por ciento de los pacientes observados presentó algún grado de agrandamiento gingival. Se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre: edad y PS; ciclosporina y PS; inmunosupresores y HS. El 94,90 por ciento de la población analizada presentó agrandamiento gingival. La profundidad de bolsa y la hemorragia al sondaje están asociadas a la medicación

Estado gingivoperiodontal en niños trasplantados renales / Gingivo-periodontal status in kidney transplantation children

El propósito de este trabajo fue establecer las asociaciones entre el estado gingivoperiodontal, las medicaciones, momento de adquisición de la insuficiencia y tiempo de trasplante en niños trasplantados renales bajo medicación inmunosupresora. Fueron seleccionados 39 niños trasplantados renales entre 4 y 19 años de edad (X = 12.03 +- 3.71 (DS)), atendidos en el Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital Nacional Juan P. Garrahan, sin tratamiento preventivo bucal, durante los 2 años previos a la iniciación del estudio. Los indicadores evaluados fueron: momento de inicio de la insuficiencia, tiempo de transplante, tipo de donante (cadavérico/familiar), y las variables farmacológicas: inmunosupresores, antihipertensivos y corticoesteroides. Las variables clínicas registradas fueron: índice de agrandamiento gingival (McGaw)(AG), índice de placa dental (Silness y Loe)(IP), hemorragia al sondaje simplificado (HSS) y profundidad al sondaje (PS). Se calcularon media y error estándar, X2, coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, media de tiempo de transplante, distribución de frecuencia. Los resultados revelaron una HS = 0.78 +- 0.02; PS = 1.88 +- 0.11; IP = 0.78 +- 0.11; AG = 2.08 +- 0.11. El 94,9 por ciento de los pacientes observados presentó algún grado de agrandamiento gingival. Se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre: edad y PS; ciclosporina y PS; inmunosupresores y HS. El 94,90 por ciento de la población analizada presentó agrandamiento gingival. La profundidad de bolsa y la hemorragia al sondaje están asociadas a la medicación (AU)