Figure 5-48. - Surgical air drill.
Figure 5-49. - Bur guards used with the surgical air drill.
Figure 5-50. - Surgical burs.
manufacturer's operating instructions for use and maintenance of the surgical air drill.
Before the surgery, you should discuss the essentials for each dental surgery procedure with the dentist. Advance preparation is essential to establish and maintain asepsis during the surgical procedure. With such preparation, you can be sure to have the necessary instruments, equipment, and materials ready for each patient.
The types of assistants that are commonly used during most outpatient dental surgery in clinics and aboard ships are the circulating and the scrub assistant.
The circulating assistant plays an important role during the dental surgery procedures and is responsible for many tasks which include, but are not limited to:
Maintaining the chain of asepsis.
Preparing the surgical room.
Receiving and seating the patient.
Taking pulse and blood pressure.
Positioning the dental chair.
When the dentist is ready to begin surgery, the circulating assistant will bring the surgery tray and place it on the Mayo stand (adjustable tray stand). To avoid contaminating the contents of the pack, touch only the outside edges of the wrappers.
After the extraction tray is opened, the circulating assistant will stand by to assist the dentist and the scrub assistant. When the procedure has been completed and the patient has been dismissed, disinfect and clean the room for the next patient.
The scrub assistant will assist the dentist during the surgery procedure. Transferring of instruments, and keeping the surgical site clean and clear of debris and blood for the dentist to operate efficiently are the major duties of the scrub assistant.
Once the surgical procedure is completed, the dentist may use sutures to close the surgical wound. If the sutures have been placed, the dentist may want a pressure pack (dressing) over the extraction site to stop the flow of bleeding. Proper post-surgical instructions will also be given to the patient before dismissing.
Continue Reading