How to choose gloves?

Wearing gloves is an essential personal protective measure in dental surgery. Gloves provide an effective barrier against cross-contamination between the practitioner, the patient, and the surgical environment. However, not all gloves are created equal, and selecting the right ones must take several factors into account: type of procedure, material, resistance, comfort, regulatory standards, and more. This article reviews the key elements to consider when choosing the most suitable gloves for your practice.

1. Latex, Nitrile, or Vinyl: Which Material to Choose?

Latex Gloves

Natural latex offers excellent elasticity, tactile sensitivity, and puncture resistance, making it a preferred choice for precision surgical procedures. However, its use may be limited due to the risk of Type I latex protein allergies.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile is a synthetic alternative to latex, hypoallergenic, and provides good chemical resistance and puncture protection. Although slightly less elastic than latex, it remains highly effective for long surgical procedures.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are more affordable and free from allergens, but they are less resistant and more permeable. Therefore, they are not recommended for surgery but are better suited for non-invasive or short-term care activities.

2. Examination Gloves vs. Surgical Gloves

Examination gloves are ambidextrous, thinner, and less durable. They are suitable for non-sterile procedures, such as oral examinations or operatory preparation.

Surgical gloves, on the other hand, are sterile, anatomically shaped (specific for right and left hands), thicker, and more robust. They are designed for prolonged wear and enhanced precision, making them essential for all types of surgery, including implant procedures.

3. Standards to Be Met

To ensure the safety and compliance of gloves used in surgery, several European standards must be respected:

EN 455-1 to 4: Specifies requirements for medical gloves for single use (absence of holes, physical properties, biological evaluation, shelf life).

EN ISO 374: Relates to protection against chemicals and microorganisms.

EN ISO 13485: Covers the quality management system for medical devices.

Gloves intended for surgical use must bear the CE marking, along with a batch number, expiration date, and indication of sterility.

4. Other Practical Selection Criteria

Size and Fit

Poorly fitting gloves can lead to muscle fatigue or impair the precision of movements. It is important to choose the correct size based on the practitioner's hand morphology.

Resistance and Impermeability

In implant surgery, gloves must withstand prolonged pressure, manipulation of sharp instruments, and potential accidental punctures. Permeability testing is therefore an essential criterion.

Comfort and Perspiration

Comfort is especially important during long procedures. Powdered gloves make donning easier but are now less commonly used due to the risk of allergic reactions. Powder-free gloves with easy donning features (polymer coating) are now preferred.

5. Double Gloving: Enhanced Protection in Implantology

Double gloving is recommended for high-risk surgeries, especially implantology, to reduce the risk of glove perforation and contamination. Clinical studies have shown that this practice can reduce the risk of contact with the patient's blood by a factor of four in the event of outer glove perforation.

Conclusion

Choosing surgical gloves should never be taken lightly. It requires balancing safety, comfort, regulatory compliance, and suitability for the specific clinical procedure. In implantology — where procedures are highly technical and infection risks are significant — selecting high-quality surgical gloves tailored to your needs is essential.