Aerosols how dangerous they are in clinical practice

Abstract

Background and objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the microbial atmospheric contamination during initial periodontal treatment using a modern piezoelectric scaler and to evaluate the efficacy of two commercially available mouth rinses (0.2% Chlorhexidine mouth rinse and Listerine) in reducing bacterial contamination when used as a pre-procedural rinse, with and without high volume evacuation (Aerosol reduction device).

Materials and methods: Subjects for the study were selected from the outpatient Department of Periodontics, Sri Siddhartha Dental College and Hospital, Tumkur, India. Total 60 patients were taken for the study and on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria's they were divided into three groups. The sampling was carried out in two stages before and after implementing a set protocol. Total duration of study was four months.

Microbiological evaluation: The samples (blood agar plates) were transported immediately to the Department of Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur for: Identification of microorganisms as per standard procedures (Gram stain, Biochemical Test, Species Identification).Counting the number of colonies formed on blood agar plates using colony counter unit.

Results: Out of all the three pre-procedural rinses 0.2% w/v Chlorhexidine is the best in reducing aerobic bacteria (CFU) followed by Listerine and then Water.

Conclusion: The following conclusion was drawn that the use of pre-procedural rinses along with the use of high volume suction apparatus significantly reduced the aerosol contamination and hence chances of cross-infection in the dental units.

Keywords: Piezoelectric scaler; Pre-procedural rinses; Ultrasonic scaling.

[Table/Fig-1a]:

Blood agar base

[Table/Fig-1b]:

Freshly prepared blood agar plates

[Table/Fig-2a]:

A High volume suction apparatus

[Table/Fig-2b]:

Colony counter

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Biological incubator

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Biochemical Medias

[Table/Fig-4]:

Positioning of blood agar plates with high volume suction

[Table/Fig-8]:

Mean percentage of colony forming units using pre-procedural mouth rinses without and with the use of suction (Aerobic CFU)

[Table/Fig-11]:

Percentage of Microbial Growth Using Water as a Pre-Procedural Rinse

[Table/Fig-12]:

Percentage of Microbial Growth Using Chlorhexidine as a Pre-Procedural Rinse

[Table/Fig-13]:

Showing Percentage of Microbial Growth Using Listerine as a Pre-Procedural Rinse

[Table/Fig-14]:

Comparative growth of microorganisms

[Table/Fig-15]:

A- Freshly prepared blood-agar plates B – Blood agar plates showing growth without the use of high volume suction C- Blood agar plates showing growth with the use of high volume suction