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

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. RESULTS: The 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.