ABSTRACT
Dental clinics are potential hazardous areas as large amount of bio-aerosols are produced here. Bioaerosols are microorganisms or particles, gases, vapors, or fragments of biological origin (i.e., alive or released from a living organism) that are in the air. Many sources of bioaerosols exist within and outside the dental clinic. The concentration of aerosols and splatters appears to be highest during dental procedures, especially those generated by some procedures such as ultrasonic scaling, or using a high speed drill. Bioaerosols may reach up to 12-16 feet from the source during patient care and may stay suspended in the air for hours if there is inadequate ventilation of air exchanges. Therefore, several infectious diseases could be transmitted to staff and patients by airborne bacterial and other contaminants in the dental clinic. Dental staff should use personal protective measures, which reduce contact with bacterial aerosols and splatters in the dental clinic.
ABSTRACT
The diagnosis of dental caries is fundamental to the practice of dentistry. The accuracy of diagnosing "hidden" occlusal caries is recognized to be a challenge. These lesions are virtually impossible to detect using conventional methods. DIAGNOdent is a laser fluorescence device used for detecting caries. The main attraction of such a device is that it is able to identify signs of tooth decay earlier than traditional diagnostic methods. It utilizes laser light of a defined wavelength to help detect and quantify demineralized tooth substances without x-ray exposure. This revolutionary new device is easy to use and turns caries detection into a harmless, measurable, more reproducible and exacting procedure.