Ultrasonic scaling in COVID-era dentistry: A quantitative assessment of aerosol spread during simulated and clinical ultrasonic scaling procedures.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Healthcare agencies recommend limited use of aerosol-generating procedures to mitigate disease (COVID-19) transmission. However, total dispersion patterns of aerosols, particularly respirable droplets, via dental ultrasonic units is unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize and map total spatter, droplet and aerosol dispersion during ultrasonic scaling in simulated and clinical contexts.

Methods

Ultrasonic scaling was performed on dental simulation units using methylene blue dye-stained water. All resultant stain profiles were photoanalysed to calculate droplet size and travel distance/direction. Airborne particle concentrations were also documented 0-1.2 m (0-4ft.) and 1.2-2.4 m (4-8ft.) from patients during in vivo ultrasonic scaling with a saliva ej

SUBMITTER: Pierre-Bez AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8652710 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature