A percutaneous injury by a contaminated instrument is a human bite equivalent

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 74-76 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.