Management of Periodontal Emergency during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus presents with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, headache, and diarrhea. The primary mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is through direct or indirect inoculation of the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) with infectious respiratory droplets or fomites. Periodontal tissue can serve as a barrier to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infected individuals. There are similarities between COVID-19 and periodontal disease, based on pro-inflammatory cytokines released by the body. A periodontal emergency arises when an acute condition involving the periodontium causes pain, forcing the patient to seek urgent care; therefore, most periodontal treatment can be considered as dangerous work compared to other dental procedures regarding the aspect of bioaerosol generation procedure. Transmission can occur through direct doctor-patient contact, as well as contamination from instruments or surfaces in the dentist’s practice room, and it is recommended to use PPE, to avoid aerosol splashes that occur during the work procedure, where aerosol granules and droplets can last 30 minutes after the treatment procedure is performed. The use of teledentistry is very important in periodontal care, in communication with patients regarding chief compliant, risk factor control, and oral hygiene instruction.