No abstract

A controlled environment operatory and specially designed human aerosol test chamber were used to study characteristics of bacterial aerosols generated from a patient's mouth during dental procedures and by common naso-oral activities. Some dental procedures generated aerosols with bacterial concentrations that exceeded those produced during coughing or sneezing and that were considered potential health hazards.

No abstract

The distribution and bacterial content of splatter particles emanating from a patient's mouth during dental procedures was studied in a controlled environment operatory. Levels of contamination far exceeding those produced by common oral activities were observed. Suction and preoperative oral hygiene procedures are not effective in reducing contamination from bacterial splatters, and the modification of certain procedures and the use of protective shields or glasses is advised.