Report: Methods for Infection Prevention and Control in Dentistry

This report delves into the critical aspects of infection prevention and control within the realm of dentistry, emphasizing the protection of individuals from bacterial infections. The report meticulously outlines various methods for controlling plaque, including both mechanical aids like toothbrushes and interdental methods, as well as chemical approaches. It further details treatments available for caries and periodontal disease, such as fillings, scaling, root planing, and more. The report also identifies diverse sources of fluoride and explores aspiration techniques employed during various dental procedures. Moreover, it explains the significance of finishing restorations, highlighting its role in reducing plaque accumulation, enhancing patient satisfaction, and promoting a natural smile. The report concludes by underscoring the importance of these methods in ensuring patient safety and the overall success of dental treatments, referencing key literature to support its findings.

Provide support during
prevention and control

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1. Identify methods for controlling plaque..................................................................................1
2. List four treatments available for the following: ....................................................................1
3. Research and identify three different sources of fluoride. .....................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................2
1. Identify the varying methods of aspiring during the following treatments:............................2
2. Explain the reasons for finishing restorations.........................................................................3
3. Explain why these methods are important when working on restoration process..................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
Infection prevention and control is the key clinical priorities that means protecting people
from any kind of infection cause by bacteria. In order to help or control periodontal disease, it is
crucial to brush and floss every day to eliminated the bacteria that cause gum disease. The
following report on infection prevention will cover, methods that exist for controlling plaque,
treatment available for controlling cavities and periodontal disease. Further, it will cover various
sources of fluoride and methods of aspirating during various treatment, reasons for finishing
restorations.
TASK 1
1. Identify methods for controlling plaque.
Methods for controlling Plaque are:
Mechanical Plaque Control Aids:
 Toothbrush both manual and electric.
 Interdental method such as; dental floss, triangular tooth picks, yarn and super-floss.
 Other include; pipe cleansers and water irrigation device (Bauer Briss and Bowman,
2014).
 Using antibacterial mouth rinse.
Chemical plaque control methods:
 The first generation anti plaque agents are able of decreasing plaque up to 20-60%.
 second generation agents exhibit better retention by oral tissues
2. List four treatments available for the following:
Controlling caries Controlling periodontal disease
Fillings are the most common way of treating
caries.
Scaling; that eliminates tartar and bacteria
from the tooth surfaces.
Crowns are another measure for dental
professionals while treatment for dental caries.
Root planing; smooths the root surfaces.
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Next method for controlling caries/cavities is
root canal in which the damaged nerve is
removed.
Gum graft, in which exposed roots due to gum
recession can be covered with it.
Extraction for controlling is done by the
professionals in which they remove the tooth.
Flap surgery; in which tiny cuts are made in
gum (Asiri, Alomri and Shah, 2016).
3. Research and identify three different sources of fluoride.
 Water:- fluoride is commonly present in low concentration in most fresh and saltwater
sources and also in rain water.
 In plants :- this is the second source of fluoride present in all vegetables which is
absorbed from soil and water. Also, in all tea leaves fluoride is present.
 Non organic meat and bone broth, as fluoride is stored in bones of animals, hence, bones
contains the highest amount of fluoride.
TASK 2
1. Identify the varying methods of aspiring during the following treatments:
Treatment Methods for aspiration
Temporary restorations Zinc oxide and eugenol cement.
Zinc phosphate cement.
Zinc poly-carboxylate cement
Amalgam restorations Sealant
Cast metal, cast alloy
Metal Ceramic
Composite restorations Horizontal layering technique
oblique layering technique
vertical layering method
Glass ionomer Cermets
Dissolution
Fissure sealants Air polishing
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Fluoride treatment Tooth decay
streptococcus mutans
Scaling Professional dental cleaning
Polishing Barrel grinding
processing with emery powder
Debridement Mechanical debridement
enzymatic debridement
2. Explain the reasons for finishing restorations.
Finishing restorations involve contouring to make optimal marginal finish without
overhangs beyond the cavity margin (Elias-Boneta, Toro and Stewart, 2015). The reason to do
so is, it reduces plaque accumulation at margins, reduces the risk of surface staining and other
reasons are:
 surface degradation is decreased and wear in clinical service
 enhances patient and professionals satisfaction
 Provides a shinier, more reflective surface, encouraging a natural smile.
3. Explain why these methods are important when working on restoration process.
 Seating :- the fully seated dental operating position combines with air turbine hand piece.
The back rest is to assist support this lumbar lordosis in sitting by maintaining contact.
 Positioning of the patient and team :- in the field of dentistry, the positioning of the
patient and the team represented by the spatial arrangements of the dentist's whole body
around the patient.
 Instrument passing :- it is discovered that, instrument passing is very much part of dental
assisting. The first hand frequently pass often two hands-passing the mirror and explorer.
 Aspiration and suction tip placement:- helps the operator in the placement and cutting of
sutures, then these are recoded correctly and preparation of appropriate post operative
dressing is done.
 Monitoring the operator and patient :- this states that, monitoring through licensed dentist
and x-ray machines registrants take all precautions which are necessary to provide
reasonably adequate protection to the life, health and safety of all.
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CONCLUSION
The following report on prevention and control of infection of periodontal disease stated
that there are various methods available to control spreading of gum infection . Both mechanical
and chemical plaque control removal of dental plaque methods are available that are used by
professionals and dentist to control them. For example, brushing teeth, using fluoride toothpaste,
using tartar control toothpaste and so on.
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REFERENCES
Bauer, U. E., Briss, P. A. and Bowman, B. A., 2014. Prevention of chronic disease in the 21st
century: elimination of the leading preventable causes of premature death and disability in
the USA. The Lancet. 384(9937). pp.45-52.
Asiri, F. Y. I., Alomri, O. M. H. and Shah, A. H., 2016. Evaluation of efficacy of a commercially
available herbal mouthwash on dental plaque and gingivitis: A double-blinded, parallel,
randomized, controlled trial. Journal of International Oral Health. 8(2). pp.224-226.
Elias-Boneta, A. R., Toro, M. J. and Stewart, B., 2015. Efficacy of CPC and essential oils
mouthwashes compared to a negative control mouthwash in controlling established dental
plaque and gingivitis: A 6-week, randomized clinical trial. American journal of
dentistry. 28. pp.21A-6A.
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