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Atmospheric contamination during ultrasonic scaling
M F Timmerman1, L Menso, J Steinfort
1Department for Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, ACTA, The Netherlands. m.timmerman@acta.nl
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|May 15, 2004
Summary
This study found limited microbial contamination in the air during periodontal treatment with a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. Both high-volume evacuation (HVE) and conventional dental suction (CDS) maintained good air quality.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Periodontal treatment involves procedures that can aerosolize microorganisms.
- Controlling airborne microbial contamination is crucial for infection prevention in dental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess microbial atmospheric contamination during periodontal therapy.
- To compare contamination levels using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with high-volume evacuation (HVE) versus conventional dental suction (CDS).
Main Methods:
- 17 treatment sessions were conducted on six patients with generalized adult periodontitis.
- Microbial air contamination was measured using Petri dishes exposed at various distances and times during ultrasonic scaling.
- High-volume evacuation (HVE) and conventional dental suction (CDS) were used and randomly assigned.
Main Results:
- Pre-treatment microbial counts were minimal (<0.6 CFU/plate).
- At 40 cm, mean CFU were 8.0 for HVE and 17.0 for CDS over 40 minutes.
- At 150 cm, mean CFU were 8.1 for HVE and 10.3 for CDS.
- The operatory atmosphere remained in good condition with both HVE and CDS.
Conclusions:
- Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler use generates limited atmospheric microbial contamination.
- Both HVE and CDS are effective in maintaining acceptable air quality during ultrasonic periodontal treatment.