Clinical use of an aerosol-reduction device with an ultrasonic scaler

The traditional use of ultrasonic scalers has been to remove heavy deposits of calculus. Today, there is an increasing use of ultrasonic scalers in all areas of periodontal treatment, including periodontal maintenance and root planing. Coolant liquid must be used with an ultrasonic scaler because of heat buildup in the ultrasonic handpiece and scaler tip. The coolant liquid causes an infection control problem because of contaminated aerosols and a patient management problem because of water buildup in the patient's mouth. Data demonstrating the presence of blood in ultrasonic aerosols are presented. The clinical use of an aerosol reduction device that fits on an ultrasonic scaler is detailed. This device reduces the aerosol produced by more than 93%. Research that shows a reduction in water buildup in the patient's mouth of more than 76% (P < .01) is presented. The aerosol reduction device appears to greatly reduce many of the problems associated with the coolant liquid used during ultrasonic scaling.