Prions in Dentistry

Abstract

The aim of this article was to provide a brief overview of the characteristics, risk of transmission and infection control implications of prions in dentistry. The literature search was performed using MEDLINE. Limiting the searches to articles in English, potential relevant articles that include the keywords. Transmissible spongiform encephalitis(TSE) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases that are rapidly progressive and always fatal, with no approved cure and their definite diagnosis can only be obtained at post mortem autopsy. Because there is a theoretical but real risk of transmission of prion diseases from dental instruments, as a general rule, family and medical history including the risk of prion diseases should be obtained from all patients, before all dental procedures. TSE research regarding diagnosis, transmission, treatment and inactivation of prions and other transmissible amyloidoses are ongoing, and, thus dental professionals should maintain optimal and up-to-date standards of knowledge, infection control and decontamination.