|
Assessing the Level of Aerosol and Microbial Load In Dental Clinics
|
|
| Author:
|
CHARANYA SURESH, MURALIDHARAN.N.P
|
| Abstract:
|
Aerosols are suspensions of liquid and solid particles in the atmosphere, excluding clouds and precipitation. The aerosol particle sizes range from 10-4 to 10 µm. The purpose of this study was to focus attention on the need to adopt infection control procedures in dentistry. The aerosol and microbial load in various dental clinics during routine procedures were determined. Oral fluids become aerosolized during dentistry and oral microbes have been used as the markers of their spread that may carry blood-borne pathogens. In dental clinics, aerosols are produced while using dental handpieces, such as ultrasonic scalers, air rotors, micromotors and/or air-water syringes. These bio-aerosols consist of droplets, also known as spatters, and droplet nuclei. Droplets, sized >100 µm, settle rapidly onto surfaces in the immediate proximity of the source. Droplet nuclei, <10 µm, are lighter and, therefore, can remain in the air for hours before settling on a surface. These aerosols contain microorganisms originating from the patient’s oral cavity and from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). The release of microorganisms into aerosols increases the microbial burden in the air and can lead to the contamination of all surfaces in a dental treatment room. Because of the frequent aerosol generating procedures in dental practice, these aerosols can function as an important mode for infection transmission in dental clinics.
|
| Keyword:
|
Aerosols; oral fluids; splatter; ultrasonic scalers
|
| EOI:
|
-
|
| DOI:
|
https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.02.405
|
| Download:
|
Request For Article
|
|
|