Hypochlorous acid and white vinegar: Artifact-free COVID-19 disinfection options for photostimulable storage phosphor plates.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the artifacts on intraoral photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate images caused by 3 different disinfectants that are effective against pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. STUDY DESIGN: Nine new PSP plates, to be wiped with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in group A, alcohol in group B, and white vinegar in group C, were distributed in 3 groups. Twelve images of each PSP plate with increasing numbers of wipes were examined for artifacts. The comparisons were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen kappa statistic. RESULTS: Artifacts were observed only on group B images. In terms of artifact scores, the difference between group A and group C was not statistically significant (P > .05), whereas group B artifact scores were significantly higher than group A and group C (P < .05). Intraobserver reliability was perfect (ICC and kappa of 1.0) and interobserver reliability was considered excellent (ICC = 0.985) or almost perfect (kappa = 0.956). CONCLUSIONS: HOCl and white vinegar can be alternative disinfection options for PSP plates tested in this study. Unlike alcohol, they did not produce artifacts. Additional research evaluating their effects on image quality is needed to determine if they are appropriate for disinfection.

Delaying Intraoral Radiographs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Conundrum.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has made dentists very assiduous about cross-infection during dental treatment, thereby delaying dental radiographs for treatment. However, patients needing dental emergency treatment in the ongoing pandemic require relevant intra/extraoral dental radiography for adequate diagnosis and treatment planning. METHODS: This article is aimed at adding to the hot debate: Is delay for intraoral radiographs justified or a possible proxy? As a narrative review, it provides an insight into the reasons for delaying intra-oral dental radiographs during in the pandemic and options of the nontraditional radiographic techniques available until the pandemic subsides. Discussion and Conclusion. Cross-contamination concerns through respiratory droplets grow while using intraoral film holders that stimulate gag reflex, coughing, saliva secretion, and if proper disinfection protocols are not applied. Since the patients' acquiring emergency dental treatment cannot be neglected, the return-to-work guidelines by the health regulatory bodies urge to prioritize extraoral radiographic imaging techniques to curb the infection, offering the best diagnostic efficacy. The dental professionals can consider cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and sectional dental panoramic radiographs (SDPRs), followed by a risk assessment for COVID-19, a safer modality in reducing cross-contamination and assuring an innocuous environment for both patient and coworkers.