# Aerosol Dispersion and Efficacy of Protective Strategies During Dental Procedures

## TL;DR

This study examines how aerosols spread during dental procedures and evaluates the effectiveness of different strategies to reduce their dispersion.

## Contribution

The study introduces a controlled method to assess aerosol dispersion and compares the efficacy of high-volume evacuators in minimizing it.

## Key findings

- Aerosol dispersion was similar at 0.9 and 1.8 meters without evacuation.
- High-volume evacuators significantly reduced aerosol dispersion at all distances.
- The Isolite system was the most effective among tested evacuators.

## Abstract

Aerosol generation during dental procedures poses significant risks due to the potential for transmitting aerosol-bound microorganisms, including those in dental unit waterlines. This study aimed to quantify aerosol dispersion at various distances from dental procedures using a high-speed electric handpiece, with a focus on the effectiveness of various aerosol mitigation strategies.

Employing a mannequin head with an artificial tooth (typodont), we simulated clinical settings without the use of saliva to solely assess the contribution of dental unit waterlines and mechanical factors to aerosol production. Measurements were taken using a spectrometer at distances of 0, 0.9, and 1.8 meters from the handpiece.

The results showed no significant difference in aerosol dispersion between 0.9 and 1.8 meters without evacuation. In contrast, the use of high-volume evacuators, particularly the Isolite system, significantly decreased aerosol dispersion across all distances.

We found that any type of high-volume evacuator can decrease aerosol dispersion, but the use of Isolite was the most effective.

The results from this study can influence choice of safety measures to minimize aerosol spread during dental procedures.