Abstract
Background. Ultrasonic scaling generates aerosols and splatters contaminated with microorganisms, increasing the risk of disease transmission in the dental office. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of extraoral suction (EOS) units in aerosol and splatter reduction during ultrasonic scaling. Methods. Ultrasonic scaling was conducted on a dental manikin headset to simulate a scaling procedure. Water containing Lactobacillus acidophilus at a concentration of 107 colony-forming units per milliliter and 1% fluorescein solution was used as the water supply of the scaler. The scaling procedure was conducted with a high-volume evacuator (HVE) or the combination of HVE and an EOS unit. de Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar plates were placed at different distances surrounding the dental chair. Filter papers were placed at various positions surrounding the oral cavity and on areas of the body. Results. Bioaerosols were detected at every sampling site and could travel as far as 150 cm from the oral cavity. The combination of HVE and EOS significantly reduced the total number of bacterial colonies in the air (P < 0.001). Dissemination of the stain was in the range of 20 cm from the oral cavity. The maximum contaminated surface area was at the 4 o’clock position from the oral cavity. The combination of EOS and HVE significantly reduced the contaminated area (P < 0.05). The stain was also found on the wrists, chest, abdomen, and lap of the operator and assistant. The lap was the most contaminated area of the body. Conclusion. EOS was effective in reducing the bioaerosols and splatters generated during ultrasonic scaling.
Highlights
Cross-transmission of disease in the dental clinic can occur by direct contact with oral secretions from patients, contact with contaminated dental instruments or environmental surfaces in the working area, or inhalation of bioaerosols generated during dental treatments
The area with the maximum contamination was at a distance of 50 cm horizontally from the oral cavity located at the middle of the dental chair
According to the total number of bacterial colonies found at each sampling site, the high-volume evacuator (HVE)+extraoral suction (EOS) significantly reduced the bacterial contamination in the room air (Figure 2)
Summary
Cross-transmission of disease in the dental clinic can occur by direct contact with oral secretions from patients, contact with contaminated dental instruments or environmental surfaces in the working area, or inhalation of bioaerosols generated during dental treatments. This creates a possible risk of infection in dental healthcare workers and patients.[1,2] Many dental procedures generate aerosols and droplets contaminated with saliva, blood, dental plaque, and microorganisms from the oral cavity.[1,3] The airborne particles produced by the dental treatment could cause the transmission of many infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, colds, pneumonic plague, measles, influenza, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).[1,4]. Ultrasonic scaling generates aerosols and splatters contaminated with microorganisms, increasing the risk of disease transmission in the dental office. EOS was effective in reducing the bioaerosols and splatters generated during ultrasonic scaling
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
