How to Practice the Aseptic Technique in Dental Implant Surgery

Aseptic technique refers to the procedure that is performed under sterile conditions that is designed to prevent contamination from microorganisms.

Aseptic technique is followed to keep patients as free from harmful micro-organisms as possible which is ensured by using sterile equipment.

Asepsis in dental implantology is a set of preventive measures to prevent germs in the problem area of the patient's mouth.

Four aspects of aseptic technique

1. Barriers – Sterile gowns, drapes, gloves and masks.

2. Patient and Equipment Preparation – Antiseptic skin preparation for the patient, sterile instruments and devices such as hand pieces and surgical burs, drills etc.

3. Environmental Controls – Doors should be kept closed, traffic in and out of the operatory should be minimized.

4. Contact to Contact Guidelines – Only sterile to sterile contact is allowed. Secondary assistant will open non-sterile items and will not touch any sterile field, instruments or equipment.

How is aseptic procedure followed?

1. Aseptic technique begins with the preparation and sterilization of the complete surgical setup that includes instrumentation, hand pieces, surgical burs, suction tips and cotton.
2. All non-sterile draping should be applied first (light handle covers, headrest cover etc.) followed by the draping of the operatory tray.
3. All sterile items should be placed upon a sterile field and handled by assistant wearing sterile gloves.
4. Instrumentation setup and the placing of sterile drapes should be done in sterile gloves.

During the implant surgery

Dental implants are packed in an outer non-sterile container and inner sterile container, so the secondary assistant will open the outer container and empty the sterile one onto the sterile field.

Following proper asepsis and decontamination protocol not only prevents contamination with micro-organisms but also increases the success of surgical treatment like dental implants.