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Aerosol reduction during air polishing.
S K Harrel1, J B Barnes, F Rivera-Hidalgo
1Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University System, Dallas, USA. skh1@airmail.net
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|April 15, 2000
Summary
An aerosol reduction device significantly decreased dental air polishing contamination by over 97%. This innovation addresses concerns regarding infection control and environmental surface contamination during dental procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dental hygiene
- Infection control
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Air polishing generates aerosol clouds, raising concerns about infection control and surface contamination.
- Potential systemic effects and environmental contamination from sodium bicarbonate, water, and patient materials are concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an aerosol reduction device for use during dental air polishing.
- To quantify the effectiveness of the device in reducing aerosol contamination.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study using artificial teeth on a Dentoform model.
- Air polishing performed with and without the aerosol reduction device within a controlled enclosure.
- Fluorescein-traced water used to quantify aerosol contamination via fluorescent spot counting under UV light.
Main Results:
- Mean contamination without the device was 175.59 cm2.
- Mean contamination with the device was 4.37 cm2.
- Demonstrated a greater than 97% reduction in aerosol contamination.
Conclusions:
- The aerosol reduction device significantly decreases contamination during air polishing.
- The device offers a viable solution for mitigating aerosol spread in dental settings.