Frequently Asked Questions

Dental aerosols are tiny droplets or particles of saliva, blood, water, microorganisms, and other debris that are generated during dental procedures. These aerosols can become airborne and spread throughout the dental operatory, potentially carrying infectious agents and contaminants. They are produced when dental instruments such as high-speed/low-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air water syringes generate high-speed sprays or mists during use. Dental aerosols are a significant concern for infection control in dental settings, as they can contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases and pose a risk to both patients and dental healthcare personnel.

Dental face masks used in dental settings should meet at least the minimum requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for medical face masks. ASTM has established three levels of protection for medical face masks based on their fluid resistance, bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), and particle filtration efficiency (PFE). In dental settings where aerosols are generated during procedures, such as drilling, scaling, polishing or use of the air water syringe, it is advisable to use face masks with at least Level 2 or Level 3 protection to help minimize the risk of exposure to airborne contaminants. Additionally, masks with a snug fit, proper filtration efficiency, and comfortable design should be selected to ensure adequate protection and wearer compliance. It's essential for dental healthcare personnel to follow infection control guidelines and select appropriate personal protective equipment, including face masks, to help reduce the transmission of infectious diseases in the dental office.

The distance dental aerosols can travel depends on various factors such as the type of dental procedure being performed, the force of the aerosol-generating instruments, the ventilation in the dental operatory, and environmental conditions like humidity and airflow. In general, dental aerosols can travel relatively short distances within the immediate vicinity of the patient's mouth, typically within a radius of about 3 to 6 feet (approximately 1 to 2 meters). However, under certain circumstances, aerosols may travel farther distances, especially if there is inadequate ventilation or if high-speed handpieces, air water syringes, or ultrasonic scalers are used. Additionally, smaller aerosolized particles may remain suspended in the air for longer periods and can potentially travel greater distances, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor airflow. Proper infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment, high-volume evacuation, and enhanced ventilation, can help mitigate the spread of dental aerosols and reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents.

The duration dental aerosols remain suspended in the air can vary depending on factors such as particle size, airflow, humidity, and ventilation in the dental operatory. Generally, larger aerosolized droplets generated during dental procedures tend to settle more quickly due to gravity, typically within a few seconds to minutes after being expelled. However, smaller aerosolized particles, especially those less than 5 micrometers in diameter, can remain suspended in the air for longer periods, ranging from several minutes to hours, depending on environmental conditions. Factors such as air circulation, ventilation systems, and room size play a significant role in determining how long dental aerosols linger in the air. Adequate ventilation and air exchange rates can help disperse and remove aerosols more quickly, reducing the time they remain airborne. In contrast, poor ventilation or confined spaces with stagnant air may prolong the suspension of aerosolized particles.

Contaminated aerosols are aerosolized particles that carry infectious agents or contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms. In a dental setting, contaminated aerosols can be generated during various dental procedures that involve the use of high-speed instruments, air-water syringes, ultrasonic scalers, and other devices. These aerosols can contain saliva, blood, dental plaque, and other biological materials from the patient's oral cavity, as well as microorganisms that may be present in the dental unit waterlines or on dental instruments. Contaminated aerosols pose a risk of transmission of infectious diseases, both to patients and dental healthcare personnel. If aerosols containing viable pathogens are inhaled or come into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin, they can potentially cause infection or disease. Additionally, contaminated aerosols can settle on surfaces in the dental operatory, leading to environmental contamination and the potential for indirect transmission of infectious agents through contact with contaminated surfaces.