Revisiting Endodontic Protocols in the Wake of COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted dental practice, particularly in the field of endodontics, where aerosol-generating procedures pose a heightened risk of viral transmission. Objective: This review article aims to comprehensively evaluate the current COVID-19 protocols relevant to endodontic practice, emphasizing infection control strategies, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, patient triaging, clinic disinfection, and treatment modifications. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based recommendations issued by global health authorities and dental associations to ensure the safety of both patients and dental healthcare professionals. The review also highlights innovations such as teledentistry for remote consultations, minimally invasive endodontic procedures, and rubber dam isolation to reduce viral exposure. Conclusion: This review highlights key strategies which includes pre appointment screening, use of high efficiency PPE kits, rubber dam as well as isolation and retraction strategies including four – handed dentistry. By analyzing the evolution of safety protocols from the onset of the pandemic to the post-vaccination phase, this article serves as a guide for resilient and adaptive endodontic care during public health emergencies.