The Effect of Er:YAG Lasers on the Reduction of Aerosol Formation for Dental Workers

Materials

Kinga Grzech-Leśniak¹  Jacek Matys¹ 

[1] Laser Laboratory, Department of Oral Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland;

关键词: COVID-19;    dentistry;    erbium laser;    Er:YAG;    high-volume evacuator;    SARS-CoV-2;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ma14112857

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Infection prevention in dental practice plays a major role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to measure the quantity of aerosol released during various dental procedures (caries and prosthetic treatment, debonding of orthodontic brackets, root canal irrigation) while employing the Er:YAG lasers combined with a high-volume evacuator, HVE or salivary ejector, SE. The mandibular second premolar was extracted due to standard orthodontic therapy and placed in a dental manikin, to simulate typical treatment conditions. The particle counter was used to measure the aerosol particles (0.3–10.0 μm) at three different sites: dental manikin and operator’s and assistant’s mouth area. The study results showed that caries’ treatment and dental crown removal with a high-speed handpiece and the use of the SE generated the highest aerosol quantity at each measured site. All three tested Er:YAG lasers significantly reduced the number of aerosol particles during caries’ treatment and ceramic crown debonding compared the conventional handpieces, p < 0.05. Furthermore, the Er:YAG lasers generated less aerosol during orthodontic bracket debonding and root canal irrigation in contrast to the initial aerosol quantity measured in the dental office. The use of the Er:YAG lasers during dental treatments significantly generates less aerosol in the dental office setting, which reduces the risk of transmission of viruses or bacteria.

【 授权许可】

Unknown