Particle size and composition of composite dusts

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Occupational Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Respirable crystalline silica dusts are known to cause silicosis.
• Silica-containing composites are widely used in dentistry.
• Finishing procedures can generate inhalable dusts and aerosols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential of dusts generated from finishing dental composites to cause silicosis.
• To analyze the particle size distribution and elemental composition of these dusts.

Main Methods:

• Six dental composites were polymerized and abraded to simulate clinical finishing.
• Dusts were collected using air sampling pumps and filtered.
• Particle counts, sizes, and elemental composition (silicon content) were analyzed using light microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.

Main Results:

• The respirable fraction of dust particles ranged from 57.2% to 85.7%.
• Diamond burs generated more respirable particles than carbide burs.
• Silicon was detected in particles at levels from 71% to 100%.

Conclusions:

• Dusts generated during the simulated finishing of composite resins containing quartz filler possess the potential to cause silicosis.
• Dental personnel are at risk due to the widespread use of composites and potential inhalation of silica dusts.