Remote Management of Prosthodontic Emergencies in the Geriatric Population During the Pandemic Outbreak of COVID-19

Abstract

The global pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put the world in a panic situation. It has been evident that the geriatric population is more susceptible to acquire this infection. Thus, due to this ongoing crisis, geriatric individuals cannot visit a dental operatory, and there is the possibility of their dental needs and emergencies to remain unattended. Partial or complete edentulism is very prevalent among the geriatric population, and prosthodontic management of these patients is essential for their well-being. However, the prosthesis can lead to various emergencies of the oral and its supporting structures. There are currently no available recommendations to address these prosthodontic emergencies in geriatric individuals during this pandemic period. Hence, the aims of this minireview were to discuss the common prosthodontic emergencies in the geriatric population and provide recommendations to manage these issues during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Navigating the COVID hide and seek: Strategies for a safe dentistry

“…Prosthodontic emergencies in this population during the crisis should include reassurance, motivation, following patients remotely and adopting teledentistry or mobile dentistry. 7 The use of disposable or single-use instruments and double covering for sensors while shooting radiographs can be additional measures along with standard preventive measures. Repair of broken dentures needs to be considered in cases of pain and discomfort.…”

“…Cases of hyperplastic tissue associated with the removable prosthesis or implant overdenture should be managed with topical astringents and local anaesthesia and surgeries should be deferred until the pandemic resides. 7 Elderly patients with poor oral hygiene and systemic conditions are more prone to develop oral candidiasis. This situation in a COVID-19 patient impacts negatively by increasing morbidity.…”

“…Digital platforms for sharing photographs and videos for diagnosis and web-based communication should be encouraged. 7 An added challenge to prosthodontists during COVID-19 is dealing with opportunistic infections such as mucormycosis and restoring maxillofacial defects triggered by the infection. Diabetes is known to be a triggering factor for COVID-19 and mucormycosis.…”

Is Teledentistry a Method for Optimizing Dental Practice, Even in the Post-Pandemic Period? An Integrative Review

“…They performed a minireview aiming at discussing the common prosthodontic emergencies and providing recommendations for this social category. The authors concluded that, during the pandemic period, TD might be considered in case of all prosthodontic situations, emergencies, or non-emergencies, followed by portable/mobile dentistry; however, the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) in order to avoid any potential transmission if COVID-19 should be mandatory [49].…”

Parent perceptions regarding virtual pediatric dental clinics during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…Teledentistry allows dental clinicians to provide consultation, make the provisional diagnosis, treatment planning, prescribe medications, advise referrals and educate patients about the importance of oral health care without actually meeting the patient in person ( Deshpande et al, 2021 ; Santana et al, 2020 ; Nassani et al, 2021 ). The major advantage of teledentistry is that it permits minimum attendance in clinical settings thus reducing the risk of COVID transmission ( Aldhuwayhi et al, 2021 ). This is of paramount importance, particularly for the clinician and patient protection.…”