Aerosol: A Silent Killer In Dental Practice.

ABSTRACT

Potential transmission of disease to personnel during dental procedures has become a source of increased concern to the dental profession. During dental treatments, saliva may become aerosolized and microorganisms from the oral cavity will contribute to the spread of infection. Aerosol creating instruments are known to be the main cause, and recent attempts to quantify this environmental hazard have shown the seriousness of this potential cross-contamination. The propelling force of a high-speed dental drill and the cavitation effect of an ultrasonic scaler, both being used in combination with a water spray, can generate numerous airborne particles derived from blood, saliva, tooth debris, dental plaque, calculus, and restorative materials.Therefore aim of this review is to highlight the potential sources of aerosols, its hazardous effects and the different ways to reduce the contamination caused as a result of its production.