Suggestions for Non-Aerosol or Reduced-Aerosol Restorative Dentistry (for as Long as is Necessary)

Abstract

The advent of coronavirus and the associated disease COVID-19 has led to the closure of dental practices in the UK and, indeed, in many parts of the world. In order to get dental practices operating again, it is suggested that it is necessary to adopt a new way of working. Principal among concerns has been the potential carriage of droplets (from an infected patient) into the aerosols resulting from the use of the turbine handpiece and from ultrasonic and sonic scalers, and other instruments used in restorative dentistry (current terminology being Aerosol Generating Procedures [AGPs]). It is therefore the aim of this paper to review restorative techniques and suggest those which are appropriate to aerosol-free, or reduced-aerosol restorative dentistry.CPD/Clinical Relevance: With anxieties regarding aerosol generating procedures abounding, it may be helpful to review procedures which either reduce or avoid these AGPs.