Understanding New Guidelines in Oral Surgery: What’s Changed for Infection Control and Safety

At Central Valley Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Institute, we prioritize patient safety and care above all else. The world of healthcare, particularly oral surgery, is continually evolving, especially when it comes to infection control and safety protocols. In response to new research, advancements in technology, and the ongoing need to address public health concerns, new guidelines have been introduced to ensure that oral surgery procedures remain as safe as possible for patients and dental professionals alike. 

In this blog post, we will explore the most recent updates in infection control and safety practices in oral surgery, so you can be informed and confident about your upcoming procedures. 

Enhanced Sterilization Procedures

Sterilization has always been a cornerstone of infection control in oral surgery, but recent advancements in sterilization technologies have raised the bar. New protocols have been introduced that incorporate the latest equipment and techniques to ensure instruments are thoroughly sanitized. 

• Autoclave Upgrades: The most commonly used sterilization method in oral surgery is autoclaving, which uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. New guidelines stress the importance of verifying the efficiency of autoclaves more frequently, using both chemical and biological indicators to ensure each instrument is completely sterile. 

• Single-Use Tools: Whenever possible, single-use, disposable tools are now being recommended. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination entirely, reducing the chance of any infection transfer during surgery. 

Advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role that personal protective equipment (PPE) plays in infection control. As a result, many of the practices established during the pandemic have become a permanent part of oral surgery guidelines. 

• Enhanced PPE for Surgeons and Staff: Oral surgeons and assistants are now required to wear higher levels of PPE, including N95 respirators, face shields, and gowns, depending on the type of procedure. This ensures that both staff and patients are protected from potential airborne pathogens. 

• Patient PPE: Patients undergoing oral surgery are also encouraged to wear a face mask before and after their procedures to minimize the risk of airborne infections. 

Improved Air Filtration and Ventilation Systems

Airborne pathogens pose a significant risk during surgical procedures, especially in environments where aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are involved. To combat this risk, new guidelines emphasize the importance of upgrading air filtration and ventilation systems in surgical suites. 

• HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are now required in dental offices and surgical suites to capture harmful particles in the air. These filters are designed to remove bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that may be circulating in the room. 

• Increased Air Exchanges: The guidelines recommend increasing the frequency of air exchanges in treatment areas to minimize the buildup of any airborne contaminants during surgeries, reducing the likelihood of infection. 

Stringent Screening and Pre-Surgical Protocols

To further minimize the risk of infection, patient screening and pre-surgical protocols have been updated to ensure that individuals are free from any infectious conditions before undergoing surgery. 

• Pre-Surgery COVID-19 Testing: While not universally required, some clinics may recommend or require patients to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test prior to surgery to rule out asymptomatic infections. This step is particularly important in high-risk surgeries or in patients with compromised immune systems. 

• Comprehensive Health Screening: In addition to COVID-19 testing, oral surgeons are now conducting more extensive health screenings to assess the risk of other infections, including asking about recent symptoms of illness, travel history, or exposure to individuals with contagious diseases. 

New Post-Operative Care Guidelines

The safety protocols don’t end once the surgery is over. Post-operative care is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring a smooth recovery. The following changes have been made to improve patient safety after surgery: 

• Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Oral surgeons are now more selective when prescribing antibiotics. With new research, it has been shown that over-prescribing antibiotics can contribute to resistance. Therefore, antibiotics are now more often prescribed based on individual patient factors, such as risk for infection, and the specific procedure performed. 

• Post-Op Instructions: Patients are receiving even more thorough post-operative instructions to ensure they are aware of how to minimize infection risks at home. These instructions cover topics like wound care, the proper use of prescribed medications, and what to do if they experience signs of infection. 

Continued Education for Surgeons and Staff

One of the most important aspects of maintaining safety in oral surgery is ensuring that surgeons and staff are continually updated on best practices and guidelines. Professional organizations like the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly release updated recommendations that are now integrated into oral surgery training and continuing education. 

At Central Valley Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Institute, our team is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements. Our staff undergoes regular training to ensure that we adhere to the latest guidelines, keeping you, our valued patient, safe during every stage of the surgical process. 

Stay safe and confident knowing that we’re here to guide you every step of the way in your oral surgery journey! 

Dr. Bell, Dr. Smith, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Bunnell, Dr. Rahn & Dr. Henriksen, and the entire team at Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute are committed to delivering compassionate care and exceptional oral surgery services, even in the most urgent situations.