Use Of Dental Equipment Research Articles

Preventing and managing back problems amongst dental professionals in dental practice

Occupational health problems in the dental setting have been highlighted in the past mainly focusing on cross infection and acquired illnesses, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Musculoskeletal problems have been documented over the years but little has been done to address them. This article highlights the potential problems that may arise if certain precautions are not taken into consideration. The main objectives are to make the dental professional aware that not looking after one's musculoskeletal health could result in premature retirement. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Simple measures such as ergonomic working with the correct use of dental equipment and conditioning of the body will hopefully aid the professional throughout his/her career.

Study of the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine in dental unit water: Evaluation of microbial contamination in the dental Office

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to count anaerobic bacteria before and after the use of dental equipment and to study the influence of chlorhexidine on the dental unit reservoir water.MethodsSterile swabs were used to collect bacterial samples from the cuspidor, lights, syringes, low- and high-speed handpieces, and dental chairs (arms and backrest) before and after the placement of barriers. Blood agar plates were placed on the patient’s and dentist’s forehead and by the patient’s nose and shoulder and exposed to aerosols without (Group 1) and with 0.5% (Group 2) and 1.0% (Group 3) chlorhexidine generated by the high-speed handpiece. Ten aerosol samples were collected for each group. A sample of 1mL of the dental unit reservoir water was collected before and after the use of the high-speed handpiece. The anaerobic bacterial counts were compared by the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsThe contamination on the high-speed handpiece (p=0.0431) and cuspidor (p=0.0117) increased significantly after use. Contamination in the dental unit reservoir water also increased significantly after use of the high-speed handpiece. The most contaminated area was the patient’s nose.ConclusionThe addition of 0.5% and 1.0% chlorhexidine in the dental unit reservoir water reduced the microbial contamination in the dental office significantly.Indexing terms: Bacteria, Anaerobic. Contamination. Dental equipment. Chlorhexidine.

Assessment of noise levels of the equipments used in the dental teaching institution, Bangalore

In dental practical classes, the acoustic environment is characterized by high noise levels in relation to other teaching areas, due to the exaggerated noise produced by some of these devices and use of dental equipment by many users at the same time. To measure, analyze and compare noise levels of equipments among dental learning areas under different working conditions and also to measure and compare noise levels between used and brand new handpieces under different working conditions. Noise levels were measured and analyzed in different dental learning areas that included clinical, pre-clinical areas and laboratories selected as representatives of a variety of learning-teaching activities. The noise levels were determined using a precision noise level meter (CENTER® 325 IEC 651 TYPE II) with a microphone. The mean of the maxima was determined. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using t tests. The noise levels measured varied between 64 and 97 dB(A).The differences in sound levels when the equipment was merely turned on and during cutting operations and also between used and brand new equipments were recorded. The laboratory engines had the highest noise levels, whereas the noise levels in high-speed turbine handpieces and the low-speed contra angle handpieces were decreased. The noise levels detected in this study are considered to be close to the limit of risk of hearing loss.

Subcutaneous Emphysema after Extraction of Maxillary Teeth: Report of a Case

Inappropriate use of dental equipment that is powered by highly compressed air may directly lead to the formation of subcutaneous emphysema that involves the fascial planes of the head and neck. The high-speed dental handpiece and the air and water dental syringe are the instruments that are most commonly implicated in the reported cases. The treatment of such cases requires a reassured patient, prophylactic antibiotic coverage, and close postoperative follow-up care. Patients should avoid maneuvers that could increase intraoral pressure. Complete resolution should be expected within one week.