Aerosols and Splatter in Dentistry – A Neglected Menace?

From Volume 33, Issue 10, December 2006 | Pages 601-606

Authors

Christian J Day

MSc, BDS, MFDS, MOrth

Consultant Orthodontist, Department of Child Dental Health, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol

Articles by Christian J Day

Jonathan R Sandy

PhD, MSc, BDS, FDS MOrth, FMedSci

Professor in Orthodontics, Department of Child Dental Health, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol

Articles by Jonathan R Sandy

Anthony J Ireland

PhD, MSc, BDS, FDS MOrth

Consultant/Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics, Department of Child Dental Health, Bristol Dental Hospital, Bristol and Consultant Orthodontist, Royal United Hospitals Bath, UK

Articles by Anthony J Ireland

Abstract

Two main types of particulate matter may be produced during routine dental procedures, namely aerosols and splatter. The principal difference between them is the size of the particles from which they are made. The behaviour of such particles in air and their possible health risks are complex. However, the use of high volume evacuation, pre-procedural mouthrinses and rubber dam are the most effective methods of reducing the unwanted risk of exposure.

Article