Research & Studies RSS

Abstract Background: Dental procedures often produce aerosols and spatter, which have the potential to transmit pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The existing literature is limited. Methods: Aerosols and spatter were generated from an ultrasonic scaling procedure on a dental manikin and characterized via 2 optical imaging methods: digital inline holography and laser sheet imaging. Capture efficiencies of various aerosol mitigation devices were evaluated and compared. Results: The ultrasonic scaling procedure generated a wide size range of aerosols (up to a few hundred μm) and occasional large spatter, which emit at low velocity (mostly < 3 m/s)....

Abstract Background Aerosol and droplet production is inherent to dentistry. Potential for COVID-19 spread through aerosols and droplets characterizes dentistry as having a high risk of experiencing viral transmission, with necessity for aerosol and droplet mitigation. Methods Simulations of restorative treatment were completed on a dental manikin with a high-speed handpiece and high-volume evacuation suction. Variable experimental conditions with use of an extraoral vacuum suction at different distances from the simulated patient's mouth and different vacuum settings were tested to evaluate extraoral suction ability for droplet reduction. Results Using the extraoral suction unit during dental procedure simulations reduced droplet spatter...

In recent months, the concern of dental aerosols and other airborne hazards have been a great threat in dentistry. Throughout the pandemic, dental practices are addressing the issues of contaminated aerosols and implementing infection control protocols while trying to protect the health of the dental team and patients.   In dentistry, many procedures require the use of dental instruments that require compressed air and water. This may include high speed hand-pieces, ultrasonic instruments, lasers, and air polishers - all tools that produce high levels of aerosol droplets. These aerosols are small particles that remain suspended in the air for long...

PLASMACLEAR™ Technology utilizes hydroxyl generation to kill and inactivate viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions. 

Hydroxyls or hydroxyl clusters are nature’s method of cleaning the air outdoors. Found mostly at mountain-top heights — particularly on sunny days — hydroxyls are extremely effective at killing single-celled organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus spores.

Most people do not understand the difference between seal suction and velocity suction. To comprehend the two, you need to measure air intake of a vacuum suction in various ways. Lets look at seal suction and velocity suction to understand how they relate to specific uses.

If you are trying to suction a large volume of air including particulates, vapors, bacteria, and viruses through a filter, you want high velocity or high CFM.