Question 1

How could routine dental procedures such as fillings present a risk of vCJD transmission?

Geoffrey Ofori · Accepted Answer

A number of laboratory studies in animals have shown that dental/oral tissues such as, tongue, gingiva, dental pulp and saliva have been shown to contain infectious material for prion diseases. Consequently, residual tissue on instruments following dental treatment, such as a filling, that have been inadequately cleaned and sterilized theoretically pose a risk of transmission of infectious agents to subsequent patients.

Question 2

How could routine dental procedures such as fillings present a risk of vCJD transmission?

Geoffrey Ofori · Accepted Answer

A number of laboratory studies in animals have shown that dental/oral tissues such as, tongue, gingiva, dental pulp and saliva have been shown to contain infectious material for prion diseases. Consequently, residual tissue on instruments following dental treatment, such as a filling, that have been inadequately cleaned and sterilized theoretically pose a risk of transmission of infectious agents to subsequent patients.