Oral surgical procedures provide an opportunity for microorganisms to invade the vascular system through the surgical wound that will be treated. Blood from the surgical site may also carry with it infective elements that may be transferred to the DHCP through open wounds, accidental cuts during surgery, needle prick or even splatter. Aside from blood, tissue obtained from biopsy, extracted teeth and other potentially infectious material may also be a source on increased concern during surgery. Transmission of infection may proceed from DHCP to patient and from patient to DHCP. From there, the infection may further be transmitted to other parties not directly connected to surgery.

Recommendations

Oral Surgical Procedures
1. The following apply when oral surgical procedures
a. Perform surgical hand antisepsis by using an antimicrobial product (eg, antimicrobial soap and water, or soap and water followed by alcohol-based hand scrub with persistent activity) before donning sterile surgeon's gloves
b. Use sterile surgeon's gloves.
c. Use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant/irrigant when performing oral surgical procedures. Use devices specifically designed for delivering sterile irrigating fluids (eg, bulb syringe, single-use disposable products and sterilizer tubing.