ABSTRACT
World wide experience during COVID-19 pandemic disclosed that the endodontic pathology prevailed among all dental emergencies. The endodontist have to handle a large category of patients: COVID-19 positive, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, and unsuspected/nonactive. To minimize the cross-infection risk a rapid and accurate triage is highly asked since the suspected and active patients should be referred to the dedicated dental settings. In stabilized COVID-19 patients it is pivotal to carry out the treatment of endodontic emergencies as much as possible in a definitive and not palliative manner due to the risk of unpredictable worsening of clinical evolution.
ABSTRACT
The high infection risk in dental offices during COVID-19 pandemic relies on the crucial role of saliva in supporting viral transmission either by airborne droplets and aerosols or by direct-contact. To avoiding cross-infection in dental setting the specific procedures needs fast salivary detecting tests for early diagnosis of both symptomatic and asymptomatic carrier patients. The use of virucidal oral mouthwashes reduces the viral transmission risk mediated through aerosols and salivary droplets. Prior to oral procedures are recommended 30 seconds oral cavity rinses and 30 seconds gargle in the throat with 9 ml 0.2-0.5 % providone-iodine, 15 ml 1-3% hydrogen peroxide, 15 ml 0.05-0.07% cetylpiridinium chloride or 15 ml 0.12% chlorhexidine.