Hazards of pressure pack

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to find out how the patients disposed off the pressure packs placed on the socket after tooth extraction. The study was conducted on 260 patients who had undergone dental extraction from November 2010 to April 2011. Pressure packs were placed on the socket to stop post operative bleeding. Every study patient was asked where he/she threw his/her pack after use and whether he/she touched it for adjustment before it was finally discarded. 42.3% of the patients threw the packs on the road, and 19.2% did this within the hospitals area, like corridors and toilets. Majority of patients admitted that they touched the pack for adjustment before it was finally discarded. The risk of spread of infection is increased by first touching the blood contaminated pack and then touching the doors, chairs, and tables in the waiting areas. Patients must be informed and educated about the proper handling of the packs to minimize the chances of cross infection