Comparison of reduction rate of bacterial contamination of dental office air during dental procedures using conventional suction-high vacuum suction-aerosol suction device-betadine 1%-retractor

Abstract

Introduction: Aerosols are one of the key means infections can spread in dental practice. It is important to take necessary measures in reducing aerosols. The purpose of this study is to compare bacterial presence in air using conventional saliva ejector, high vacuum suction, betadine 1% in reservoir and retractor and aerosol suction device.

Materials and Methods: In this study a private office located in Tabriz which had the mentioned equipment was chosen. The study was conducted in 8 separate groups, single system or combined methods of saliva ejector, high vacuum suction, office fan, retractor, betadine 1% in reservoir and aerosol suction device. For each system 3 patients with class II restoration were examined. Samples were collected during the treatment from 6 different points at the same height as the patient’s head. Before each treatment the office was disinfected by UV light and the patients rinsed their mouth with betadine 1% mouthwash. betadine 1% was made by adding 1-gram betadine to 100mls distilled water and was added to dental unit reservoir. Using two suctions simultaneously one high vacuum suction was placed over retractor by the assistant and the conventional suction was placed inside patient’s mouth under retractor.

Results: High vacuum suction had a statically significant effect in aerosol reduction(p<0.001). Using retractor was not statically significant. Adding office fan to all of the groups reduced bacterial colonies significantly(p<0.001). Adding betadine 1% to the reservoir had the strongest effect on bacterial colonies, 0.5-meter (46.58%) in 1.5 meters (50.68%), 2 meters (53%) and in pc (61.84%) reduction compared with high vacuum suction(p<0.001).

Conclusion:. The best way to reduce aerosols in dental office is to use high vacuum suction, betadine 1% in reservoir with an office fan.