Journal of Dental Sciences

Journal of Dental Sciences

Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2014, Pages 294-296
Journal of Dental Sciences

Short Communication
Investigation of the spreading characteristics of bacterial aerosol contamination during dental scaling treatment

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2014.06.002Get rights and content
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Abstract

Background/purpose

This study attempted to understand the spreading characteristics of airborne bacterial contaminants during dental scaling treatment.

Materials and methods

Bacterial aerosols were collected with gelatin filters, in a single-chair clinic during ultrasonic scaling treatments on two patients with periodontitis.

Results

The results showed that bacterial aerosols contamination could spread a horizontal distance of 100 cm and a vertical distance of 50 cm from a patient’s oral cavity, and remain airborne suspended for 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Proper environmental and personal infection control measures, including isolation, ventilation, and full-cover facial shield, are recommended to diminish the contaminating risk in dental clinics.

Keywords

bioaerosols
scaling
ventilation
airborne

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