COVID-19 and Its Effect on Dentistry

Abstract

COVID-19 or normally known as a coronavirus disease has already been in a pandemic situation which almost grabs many countries in the world. Its outbreak is still at large and even grasping medical professionals too.COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that can trigger what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). It spreads the same way other coronaviruses do, mainly through person-to-person contact. Infections range from mild to deadly. Although the mortality rate of this virus is low, it is especially potent against people with underlying systemic conditions. The practice of dentistry involves the use of rotary dental and surgical instruments, such as Handpieces or ultrasonic Scalars and air-water syringes. These instruments create a visible spray that can contain particle droplets of water, saliva, blood, microorganisms, and other debris. Dental health care professionals are at higher risk due to their close working field to the patient's oral cavity. The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected all businesses including general dental practices, which are suffering huge financial losses as they have been advised to give only emergency dental care because dentistry is a profession where the doctor as well as the dental staff works in close range of patients mouth. These recommendations should be appreciated as a positive step but they have caused serious financial implications for dental practices. It can be concluded that current dental practice globally is limited to the provision of emergency treatments only. So this article briefly discussed Covid-19 and a precautionary measurement needs to be taken by dental professionals