Unsung Anti-Aerosol Heroes
In dentistry, aerosols are not just the visible mist during procedures—they are a mixture of water, saliva, blood, bacteria, and viruses that can remain suspended in the air for up to 30 minutes. The real danger lies not in what we see, but in what we unknowingly inhale during routine practice.
Where do they come from?
Aerosols are generated during multiple dental procedures, especially ultrasonic scaling, high-speed handpiece use, air-water syringe, and air polishing. Among these, ultrasonic scalers produce the highest amount. Even when the spray appears minimal, microscopic contamination continues to spread actively within the operatory.
Why should we worry?
These fine particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and contribute to the transmission of infections such as tuberculosis, influenza, and other airborne diseases. Aerosols are not restricted to the treatment area—they can travel across the clinic space and even circulate through ventilation systems, increasing exposure risk.
Who are the real heroes?
The control of aerosols depends on a layered protection approach. Personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, and eye protection serve as the first barrier. Pre-procedural mouth rinses reduce the microbial load. High-volume evacuators (HVE) are highly effective, removing up to 90–95% of aerosols at the source. Rubber dam isolation further limits saliva contamination and significantly reduces aerosol spread.
Reality check
Masks alone are not enough. A saliva ejector cannot replace an HVE. And most importantly, the absence of visible spray does not mean the absence of aerosols. The risk is always present, even when it’s invisible.
Final take
Aerosols are silent threats in everyday dentistry, but controlling them is not complicated—it just requires awareness and consistency. It’s never about one single method, but about combining multiple protective strategies effectively. Because in dentistry, what you don’t see can still have the greatest impact.
MBH/PS