Carina Balcoș, Iulia Săveanu, Livia Bobu, Dana Bosînceanu, Maria Bolat, Irina Grădinaru, Loredana Hurjui, Magda Bârlean, Adina Armencia
Abstract
Ultrasonic dental treatment such as scaling produce aerosol and droplets, which presents a potential risk of contamination for the patient and medical team. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the surface contamination during ultrasonic scaling in relation to certain variables of this procedure. Material and Method: The group consisted of 10 subjects for which ultrasonic scanning was applied with different frequencies, for 10 min. The distilled water was colored with a red food coloring. The measurements were made in cm for each area around the oral cavity: the right side, the left side, upper and lower as well as at the level of the doctor’s chest surface contamination. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0. Results: The largest surfaces contamination were recorded in the case of simple scaling suction, especially on the left side(39.1 cm) and the lower one (49.8 cm) for frequency 5. In the case of surgical scaling suction, the values recorded were lower. In the case of simple scaling suction, the left and lower sides of the contamination surface exceeded the contamination zone 1.Conclusions: US scaling is a cause of surfaces and air contamination by generating droplets and aerosols. The type of suction influences the degree of contamination of the surfaces. To reduce the risk of contamination, wearing protective equipment is necessary for both medical staff and the patient.