New paradigm shift in the times of pandemic: Effects and influence of covid-19 on prosthodontic practice

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put the world in a panic situation. It has been evident that the geriatric population is more susceptible to get this infection, mainly due to advanced age and comorbidities and thus reduced immunity. In this ongoing crisis, individuals could-not visit a dental clinic, hence unattended dental needs and emergencies. The prosthodontic management in geriatric patients is essential for their well-being, as the partial or complete edentulism are very prevalent among them. However, a prosthodontist remains at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through the aerosol-generation, possibly through the contaminated surfaces and the indirect contact with dental laboratories and the technicians through the impressions, dental stone casts, and the prosthetic appliances. It demands the implementation of the preventive measures, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected COVID, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as the N95 masks, gowns, and face-shields.