"A Comparison Study of Aerosol Particle Contamination During Ultrasonic Instrumentation using Hands-Free, Mechanically Stabilized High Volume Evacuation (HVE) with either Standard or Funnel Shaped Attachment to HVE"
Purpose:
Aerosols produced during ultrasonic instrumentation
are a potential health concern for dental hygienists. Irrigant solutions, which
produce the healing effects of lavage also, combine with blood, saliva and bacteria
to produce aerosolized particles. The CDCP recommends utilization of high volume
evacuation (HVE), rubber dam, and patient positioning for aerosol control. These
recommendations are difficult for the nonassisted dental hygienist to manage
during patient care. Further study is required to find a method of evacuation
that is easily managed and adapted to current practice settings.
Design:
This laboratory study will compare the degree
and duration of aerosol particle contamination from ultrasonic scaling using
three different evacuation techniques: a standard infraoral saliva ejector,
mechanically stabilized extra-oral standard high volume evacuation (HVE) and
mechanically stabilized extra-oral funnel shaped attachment to HVE. A Bobcat
25K Ultrasonic instrument will be operated at medium power for oneminute on
mandibular anterior teeth in a DENTOFORM® model covered with a "Fletcher"
plassein head. Air samples will be collected during and post procedure in a
Zefon AIR-O-CELL Air Sampling Cassette©, specifically designed for rapid
collection of a wide range of airborne aerosols. Collection will be followed
by a blind evaluation of the cassettes.
Statistical Analysis
Data will be analyzed by repeated measures
analysis of variance. The exposures (5), averaged over the times of observations
(during, post) will be tested against a between trials error. The time of observation
and the interaction of exposure will be tested against a within trials error.
The observation taken before will be examined to ensure that the baseline is
comparable from trial to trial. Residual analysis will be carried out to ensure
that the assumptions underlying the statistical analysis are reasonably well
satisfied.