The use of sterile versus nonsterile gloves during out-patient exodontia

One hundred twenty-four patients who showed no clinical evidence of acute infection, were not taking antibiotics, and were to undergo routine removal of erupted teeth were studied. Patients were alternately assigned to surgeons who were wearing sterile or nonsterile, but clean, gloves. Surgery was performed in the usual manner and no postoperative antibiotics were prescribed. None of the patients was found to be infected postoperatively. Results of this prospective study suggest that routine exodontia can be safely performed by a surgeon wearing nonsterile, but surgically clean, gloves without increasing the risk of postoperative infection.