Can a Dentist Develop Vibration Disease?

The profession of a dentist includes many procedures when it is necessary to use instruments with a certain vibration frequency. Due to the specifics of the profession, these vibrations are transmitted to the dentist or dental technician on a regular basis over extended hours. So can these vibrations be harmful?

The vibrations themselves are not dangerous, but there are times when they cause injury to the working hand and can provoke Harmful Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) in the doctor. This disease affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist, and hand. It is not common in dentistry, mainly among industrial workers who deal with vibrating tools. But if this happens, it often leads to irreversible consequences.

HAVS is classified as an occupational disease. Moreover, it is quite serious, since there is no special test for its diagnosis. The only way is to run multiple tests, including a detailed analysis of the profession.

The transmission of motorised vibrations to the dominant hand can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the hand. Vibration frequencies between 8 Hz and 300 Hz can affect fingers and hands. Frequencies in this range cause the fingertips to turn white due to the lack of blood supply. The degree of pallor is so severe that HAVS is often referred to as white finger syndrome. When blood tries to return to these areas, a feeling of numbness occurs. Thus, tingling, numbness and paleness are the initial signs of HAVS, which can last from 5 to 30 minutes.

While the early signs of vibration sickness may not seem too dangerous, vigilance is essential. HAVS can evolve rapidly or over decades. Researchers have not yet identified a specific onset stage for HAVS. The severity of this syndrome increases with damage to the nerves of the hand. High-frequency vibrations affect the nerves, first causing a loss of mobility and then worsening the sensation of touch. Affected fingers, if left untreated, can lead to cell death and ultimately gangrene.

Cases of HAVS victims have been reported to develop blockages in the arteries of the affected arm. Other comorbid conditions are common, such as tendon inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone cysts, as well as limited hand movement, poor grip and soreness.

As already mentioned, vibration sickness occurs not only in dentists, but also in electricians, welders, workers on construction sites and all those who use vibration tools. In dentistry, these include handpieces, milling and grinding instruments. Of course, in terms of risk assessment, dental technicians are at greater risk of developing vibration disease.