Aerosols pose significant occupational hazards for dental personnel.
Aerosols carry agents of infectious disease as well as toxins.
Particulates can deposit in the conducting airways and terminal bronchi of the lungs.
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Where do aerosols travel ?
Fluorescent dye experiments during simulated dental procedures showed:
The spatter tended to travel upward in a vertical, expanding funnel-shaped circular pattern, striking the operator’s chest, shoulders and face and falling in a heavy rain on the lower arms.
Mists could be seen forming as clouds of moisture that gradually settled in less than one minute within a few feet of their origin.
The most dramatic observation was the presence of pervasive airborne fluorescent dye dispersion that coated the oval face masks of the dental personnel, despite the use of a face shield.
Fluorescent dye remained suspended in aerosol droplets and continued to coat new filter paper disks…for at least 10 minutes despite a room exchange of one every four minutes.
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Some particles are likely to be deposited in the terminal alveoli and cleared only after weeks or months.
The particulates are expected to deposit in the conducting airways and terminal bronchi of the lungs, and eventually be eliminated by the mucociliary escalator.
An operator can inhale the aerosol particulates produced during enamel cleanup irrespective of hand-piece speed or the presence or absence of water coolant.
Where do toxins go ?
Cancer
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Toxicity
Silicone Toxicity
Cytotoxicity
Biologic Risk from Toxins
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Importance of
Aerodynamic Management
The significance of aerodynamics management in dentistry cannot be overstated, particularly concerning aerosols. It's a nearly inescapable facet of dental procedures that results in splatter or aerosols' generation. Aerosols are produced by various dental equipment, including ultrasonic scalers, rotary instruments, and air/water syringes. Additionally, given the close proximity of dental professionals to patients, who may not be wearing masks, the risk of exposure is high. Patients are likely to cough, sneeze, talk, or expel nasal and throat secretions, which can disperse throughout the air.