Microbial Contamination of Contact Lenses After Tooth Preparation in Fpd Cases Using Airotor with or Without Protective Face Shield

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Aerosol and splatter are a concern in dental specialty attributable to their potential effects on the health of patients. Microbial contamination of contact lenses during extended wear (EW) is of major concern to practitioners because contact lenses worn for extended periods of time are believed to be potential reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria.

AIM : The purpose of the present study was to evaluate aerosol contamination of contact lenses of the dentist after teeth preparation in fixed rehabilitation cases using airotor, microbial count on contact lenses of the dentist, to determine the effectiveness of protective face-shield.

MATERIALS AND METHODS : Thirty subjects from the outpatient section in the Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai who had come for a Fixed rehabilitation therapy were enrolled in this study. The clinicians were randomly distributed into 3 groups, Group 1: Clinicians using only contact lenses, Group 2: Clinicians using contact lenses and Faceshield, Group 3: Clinicians using only Face Shield. Muller Hinton Agar (MHA) agar was utilized for this activity to determine the zone of inhibition. The statistical analysis one way ANOVA was performed using commercially available software (SPSS version 10.5, IBM, Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS : Tables and graphs were generated using Microsoft Word and Excel. Overall, the results of this study indicate low microbial contamination of contact lens in Group C (protectiveFaceshield) followed by Group B (contact lens without protective eyewear) which is statistically significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION : Concluding from the results of this study, dental practitioners should avoid contact lenses as the risk of contamination from aerosols. In circumstances where contact lenses are used, it is recommended to wear protective Face Shield/Eyewear.