Infection Control for Oral Surgical and Dental Implant Procedures

Oral surgical procedures, including extractions, periodontal surgery, and implant-related treatments, pose unique challenges for infection control within the oral microbiome setting. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of standard precautionary infection control measures crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, healthcare providers, and staff during oral surgical and dental implant procedures. This chapter highlights enhanced measures related to oral surgical procedures that maintain a safe and hygienic healthcare environment, ultimately minimizing complications and ensuring the highest standards of care. These standard precautions and transmission-based precautions form foundational best practices in the dental healthcare setting. The chapter presents a model for implementing additional surgical control factors and infection control considerations in oral surgery, periodontal surgery, and aerosol-generating procedures, offering tangible steps to mitigate associated risks. It is of particular importance for oral healthcare providers to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk of cross-infection to their patients, themselves, and other members of the dental team.