Is Lab Work And Dental Cleaning Safe Without Tetanus Booster Vaccination?

Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2014

Question: good morning,

The last tetanus booster I received was 12 years ago. Is it still safe to have lab work and dental cleanings?? Sounds silly, I know, but I cannot get the vaccine anymore.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No vaccination is required for scaling & lab work

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Its good to get vaccinated & tetanus vaccine lasts for 10 years. But there is no such direct relation between any dental procedures & vaccination.Once you get any blood contact with metal you should go for vaccination within 24 hrs.
Its good to get vaccination prophylactically.
No need to take tension.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (15 minutes later)

I am sorry but your reply confused me a little. You said no vaccine required but then you said once any blood contact with metal, get vaccine within 24 hrs...Do you mean dirty metal since dental tools and needles are metal??

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rusted metal or wound contaminated with saliva

Detailed Answer:
Sorry for confusion.
I wanted to say if metal is rusted or contaminated with saliva then go for immediate vaccination with in 24 hrs after exposure.
Always go for fresh needles & autoclaved instruments to prevent any cross infection.
Hope i cleared your doubt

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj