A Fux Noy1, J Shapira. 1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The Hebrew University - Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel. fuxavia@hotmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Percutaneous exposure incidents represent an important occupational health issue. CASE REPORT: A paediatric dentist was cut by a small round bur in a handpiece. A few hours later the elbow became swollen and painful. Since the bur had been contaminated with saliva and oral flora, the injury was treated as a human bite equivalent. An X-ray revealed the broken piece of the bur in the soft tissue of the dentist's elbow. CONCLUSION: Care should be taken to prevent and treat injuries by sharp items, during and also following dental treatment.
BACKGROUND: Percutaneous exposure incidents represent an important occupational health issue. CASE REPORT: A paediatric dentist was cut by a small round bur in a handpiece. A few hours later the elbow became swollen and painful. Since the bur had been contaminated with saliva and oral flora, the injury was treated as a human bite equivalent. An X-ray revealed the broken piece of the bur in the soft tissue of the dentist's elbow. CONCLUSION: Care should be taken to prevent and treat injuries by sharp items, during and also following dental treatment.