Microbial contamination of contact lenses after scaling and root planing using ultrasonic scalers with and without protective eyewear: A clinical and microbiological study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic scaler is a preferential treatment modality among the clinicians. However, the aerosol/splatter generated is a concern for patients and practitioners. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate contamination of contact lenses of the dentist after scaling and root planing using ultrasonic scalers with and without protective eyewear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly selected for scaling and root planing and divided into 2 groups of 15 each. Group A - dentist wearing contact lenses and protective eyewear. Group B - dentist wearing only contact lenses. After scaling and root planing using ultrasonic scalers, the lenses were subjected to culture and 16S rRNA (16S ribosomal RNA) gene sequencing. RESULTS: In Group A - 15 out of thirty samples were contaminated, in Group B - all the thirty samples were contaminated. Most of the samples showed Gram-positive bacteria and 5 samples were contaminated with fungi. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of forty contaminated samples showed that 31 were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans and 9 with Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Keeping in mind the limitation of the study for the absence of negative control, we would like to conclude that dental practitioners should better avoid contact lenses in a dental setup because of the risk of contamination of the contact lenses from the various dental procedures which can produce aerosol/splatter and if worn, it is recommended to wear protective eyewear.

A randomized clinical trial of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects.

AIM: A combined technique using a platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/bovine porous bone mineral/guided tissue regeneration membrane was found to be an effective modality for the treatment of mandibular grade II furcation defects. To elucidate the role played by each component, the present randomized, double-blind study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous PRP alone in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects compared with open flap debridement (OFD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a split-mouth design, 40 mandibular degree II furcation defects were treated either with autologous PRP or OFD. Plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, vertical probing depth, relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level and gingival marginal level were recorded at baseline and 6 months post-operatively. Vertical and horizontal defect depths were also recorded using spiral computed tomography. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in all the clinical and radiographic parameters at the sites treated with PRP as compared with those with OFD. However, all the furcation defects retained their degree II status. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant improvement, lack of complete closure of furcation defects implies a limited role of autologous PRP as a regenerative material in the treatment of furcation defects, necessitating further long-term studies.