What is required for dental unit water during oral surgical procedures?

During oral surgical procedures, it is essential to use sterile water for irrigation and other purposes involving dental unit water. This requirement is primarily rooted in the need to minimize the risk of infection. Surgical procedures expose tissues and create open wounds, making it critical to employ water that is free from microorganisms and potential contaminants that could lead to postoperative infections.

Using sterile water ensures that there are no pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi that might otherwise be present in tap water or mineral water, which could compromise patient safety. Distilled water, while purified, is not typically cited as the standard requirement for surgical procedures, as it still may not meet the sterility necessary for surgical contexts unless specifically processed to achieve sterility.

In summary, sterile water is a vital aspect of infection control practices in dental settings, particularly during surgical interventions, to protect patients from possible infectious complications.