Efficiency of HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction unit on aerosols during prosthetic dental preparation: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives Aerosols formed during dental treatments have a huge risk for the spread of bacteria and viruses. This study is aimed at determining which part of the working area and at what size aerosol is formed and ensuring more effective use of HEPA-filtered devices. Materials and methods Anterior tooth preparation was performed by one dentist with one patient. Particle measurements were made using an airborne particle counter and were taken at four different locations: the chest of the patient, the chest of the dentist, the center of the room, and near the window. Three groups were determined for this study: group 1: measurement in a 24-h ventilated room (before the tooth preparation, empty room), group 2: measurement with the use of saliva ejector (SE), and group 3: measurement with the use of saliva ejector and HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction (HEOS) unit. ResultsThe particles generated during tooth preparation were separated according to their sizes; the concentration in different locations of the room and the efficiency of the HEOS unit were examined. Conclusions The present study showed that as the particle size increases, the rate of spread away from the dentist's working area decreases. The HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction unit is more effective on particles smaller than 0.5 microns. Therefore, infection control methods should be arranged according to these results. Clinical relevance The effective and accurate use of HEPA-filtered devices in clinics significantly reduces the spread of bacterial and viral infections and cross-infection.

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce aerosol generation in dental environments: A systematic review

“… Das et al 2022 The number of bacteria: no rinse group (control) > water (test) > 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate (test) > herbal mouthwash (test) 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate is superior in reducing the microbial load in aerosols produced during ultrasonic scaling. Demirkol et al 2023 The number of particles: only SE > ventilated room > SE and HEOS As the particle size increases, the rate of spread away from the dentist’s working area decreases. The HEPA filtered extra-oral suction unit is more effective on particles smaller than 0.5 µm.…”

“…Accordingly, studies using this method would be more limited compared to direct aerosol capture via an aerosol sampler. Three articles ( Barrett et al, 2022 , Demirkol et al, 2023 ; Barrett et al, 2021) used air quality particle counters to measure the concentration of particles in the air since these devices can detect both airborne droplets and aerosols before they fall to the ground. Some specific methods, such as virus aerosol sampler, optical aerosol spectrometer, aerodynamic particle sizer, fluorescent tracer, and Anderson six-stage sampler were also used in several studies.…”

“…Nevertheless, the results demonstrated significantly higher aerosol levels on various areas of the head after using the rubber dam, indicating the necessity of suitable protective wear for covering the head of dentists ( Al-Amad et al, 2017 ). After evaluating the efficacy of reducing aerosols during anterior tooth preparation, Demirkol et al found that the HEPA-filtered extra-oral suction unit is more useful when measuring particles less than 0.5 µm, which can reduce the spread of viral and bacterial infections and cross-infection ( Demirkol et al, 2023 ). Accordingly, the strategies mentioned above can be applied in clinical practice based on specific conditions.…”

Efektivitas Alat Extraoral Suction Unit pada Layanan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut

“…Permintaan alat extraoral suction unit meningkat secara signifikan pada masa pandemi Covid 19 pada tahun 2020-2021 (Demirkol, Karagozoglu and Kocer, 2023). Panduan Dokter Gigi dalam Era New Normal memandatkan penggunaan dental suction unit untuk perawatan yang menghasilkan aerosol (Amtha et al, 2020).…”

“…Hal serupa dinyatakan oleh peneliti lain yang menyatakan bahwa pemakaian filter dan sinar UVC dapat mengurangi virus pada aerosol sampai 99%. Lebih lanjut dijelaskan bahwa sinar UVC dengan panjang 245 nm dan durasi radiasi selama 30 menit mampu merusak molekuler asam nukleat dan me-nonaktifkan virus (Demirkol, Karagozoglu and Kocer, 2023;Shang et al, 2023). Sinar UVC mampu menjangkau bagian dalam filter sehingga udara yang lewat menjadi lebih bersih.…”