Comparing Noise Production of Pediatric Dental Instrumentation Techniques

Purpose: To compare the noise generated by different types of handpieces and isolation systems. Methods: Data were collected using a sound level meter (SLM) and noise dosimeter while preparing human teeth for stainless steel crowns using a high-speed handpiece and isolation/ evacuation for five minutes. The effects of the type of handpiece (air, electric) and isolation (rubber dam with high-speed evacuation, Dryshield) on noise were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. Results: The sound level meter data showed that the air-driven handpiece with Dry-shield was statistically the loudest (equivalent continuous sound pressure level [LAeq] equals 80.7±0.7 dBA (P<0.001). The dosimeter data showed that both the air-driven handpiece with Dryshield and the electric handpiece with Dryshield were statistically the loudest (LAeq equals 84.9±1.1 dBA and 86±0.6 dBA, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). There were no differences in peak sound levels between any of the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: None of the pediatric dental instrument combinations studied reached the LAeq equals 90 dBA limitation for eight hours set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Although the noise levels were not above regulatory safety limitations, practitioners should consider hearing protection based on individual exposure.