H R Veena1, S Mahantesha2, Preethi A Joseph3, Sudhir R Patil3, Suvarna H Patil4. 1. Department of Periodontics, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India. Electronic address: drveenahr@gmail.com. 2. Department of Periodontics, MS Ramaiah Dental College, Bangalore, India. 3. Department of Periodontics, KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India. 4. Department of Periodontics, Maratha Mandal Dental College, Belgaum, India.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min. RESULTS: Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions.
CONTEXT: Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min. RESULTS: Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions.
Authors: Montry S Suprono; John Won; Roberto Savignano; Zhe Zhong; Abu Ahmed; Gina Roque-Torres; Wu Zhang; Udochukwu Oyoyo; Paul Richardson; Joseph Caruso; Robert Handysides; Yiming Li Journal: J Am Dent Assoc Date: 2021-06 Impact factor: 3.634