Abstract
BackgroundHigh levels of suspended particulate matters (PMs) and bioaerosols are created by dental procedures. The present study aimed to evaluate the size and concentration of PMs produced by drilling and grinding teeth, and to assess the efficiency of central vacuum system and protective masks for the removal of PMs.MethodsA total of 20 extracted permanent teeth were collected. A novel experimental system and particle counter were used to evaluate the PMs produced by dental procedures and the PM removal efficiency of a central vacuum system and surgical/N95 masks.ResultsThe number concentration of total PMs produced by drilling and grinding teeth was significantly higher than the indoor background concentration. The average aerodynamic diameter of particle was generally less than 1 μm. The average number concentration of ultrafine particles was 2.1x1011 particles/m3 during tooth drilling and grinding. The efficiency of the central vacuum system was 35.74% for PM≥0.5 and 35.41% for PM10. For PM≥0.5, the ratios of inside and outside masks were 0.8–1.34 without vacuum and 1.18–1.36 with vacuum. No difference was found with the use of surgical/N95 masks during dental therapy, with or without vacuum use.ConclusionsHigh levels of PMs were found during tooth drilling and grinding procedures, especially among PM1. The PM removal efficiency of a central vacuum system and surgical/N95 masks were limited.
Highlights
Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common dental diseases [1]
A novel experimental system and particle counter were used to evaluate the particulate matters (PMs) produced by dental procedures and the PM removal efficiency of a central vacuum system and surgical/N95 masks
The number concentration of total PMs produced by drilling and grinding teeth was significantly higher than the indoor background concentration
Summary
Common dental therapies for these diseases include tooth restoration or extraction procedures, dental scaling, and endodontic therapy. The main source of aerosols during dental therapy is the patient’s mouth, which can cause spread of microorganisms and affect the quality of dentistry environment [2]. Most dental procedures produce aerosols due to high-speed dental equipment usage or tooth scaling [2,3]. These aerosols can include bacteria such as Streptococcus spp., which has been detected in the air of the dental treatment room during dental therapy [4]. Even shortly following dental treatments, the dental treatment area retains a high concentration of airborne bacteria, which may spread to inactive dental treatment areas [5]. The present study aimed to evaluate the size and concentration of PMs produced by drilling and grinding teeth, and to assess the efficiency of central vacuum system and protective masks for the removal of PMs
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