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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

A System to Create Stable Nanoparticle Aerosols from Nanopowders
12:59

A System to Create Stable Nanoparticle Aerosols from Nanopowders

Published on: July 26, 2016

Should we be concerned about composite (nano-)dust?

Kirsten L Van Landuyt1, Kumiko Yoshihara, Benjamin Geebelen

  • 1KU Leuven BIOMAT, Department of Oral Health Sciences, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. kirsten.vanlanduyt@med.kuleuven.be

Dental Materials : Official Publication of the Academy of Dental Materials
|September 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Dental composite dust contains nanoparticles and poses an inhalation risk. Always use water-cooling, good aspiration, ventilation, and high-efficiency masks to minimize exposure to this hazardous dental dust.

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Area of Science:

  • Dental materials science
  • Occupational health
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Dental personnel are frequently exposed to composite dust during procedures like polishing and grinding.
  • Contemporary dental composites contain significant amounts of silica nano-fillers.
  • The potential health hazards of composite dust, particularly its nano-filler components, have not been previously investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the in vitro properties of dental composite dust.
  • To assess the level of clinical exposure to composite dust in a dental setting.

Main Methods:

  • Composite blocks were ground using a diamond bur, simulating clinical conditions.
  • Aerosolized dust was collected on filters for gravimetric quantification and transmission electron microscopy analysis.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

A System to Create Stable Nanoparticle Aerosols from Nanopowders
12:59

A System to Create Stable Nanoparticle Aerosols from Nanopowders

Published on: July 26, 2016

Experimental Protocol to Investigate Particle Aerosolization of a Product Under Abrasion and Under Environmental Weathering
07:47

Experimental Protocol to Investigate Particle Aerosolization of a Product Under Abrasion and Under Environmental Weathering

Published on: September 16, 2016

Testing of Nanoparticle Release from a Composite Containing Nanomaterial Using a Chamber System
04:55

Testing of Nanoparticle Release from a Composite Containing Nanomaterial Using a Chamber System

Published on: November 22, 2016

  • Respirable dust concentrations were measured in a dental operatory using a mass particle counter.

    • Main Results:

    • All tested composites generated respirable dust particles (<5μm) in vitro.
    • Clinical measurements confirmed dust generation, with short episodes of high concentrations during polishing.
    • Microscopic analysis revealed a wide range of particle sizes, including submicron and nano-sized particles, often embedded in resin or as individual nano-fillers.

    Conclusions:

    • Inhalation of dental composite dust should be avoided due to the presence of hazardous nanoparticles.
    • Recommendations include using water-cooling during procedures, employing effective aspiration and ventilation, and wearing masks with high-efficiency filtration for small particles.