Basic surgery. Asepsis and antisepsis. Concepts. Surgical bacteriology. Sterilisation and maintenance of sterilisation equipment

Abstract

Introduction: They studied basic oral surgery as a fundamental discipline of dentistry, focused on the surgical treatment of pathologies affecting teeth, jaws and surrounding tissues. They analysed how the correct application of asepsis and antisepsis was crucial to prevent infections in an environment with a high bacterial load, such as the oral cavity.
Development: They described asepsis as comprising techniques to prevent contamination by microorganisms, while antisepsis involved the use of chemicals to eliminate pathogens in living tissues. They explained the mechanisms of action of disinfectants and antiseptics, assessing factors such as toxicity, time of action and antimicrobial spectrum. They detailed various methods of disinfection (immersion, lotion, vaporisation, among others) and emphasised the need to sterilise surgical instruments correctly. They also assessed the importance of staff hygiene, operating theatre behaviour and the use of protective equipment. In addition, they recognised frequent occupational hazards - physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic - faced by professionals.
Conclusions: They concluded that basic oral surgery required not only technical skills, but also in-depth knowledge of infection control. They identified that poor oral hygiene, systemic diseases and inadequate techniques increased the risk of complications. They reaffirmed the need to follow strict biosafety protocols to protect both the patient and the clinical team. Finally, they stressed the importance of continuous training to prevent and effectively manage the risks inherent in the surgical environment.