Introduction:

Aerosols generated during dental procedures are a matter of concern in dentistry owing to their potential adverse health effects. The current pandemic of COVID-19 has required the reinforcement of infection control measures aimed at the decreasing aerosol production.

Objective:

To evaluate the dispersion of aerosols produced during the use of the dental turbine using the ejector of the equipment and/or extraoral suction of the nationally manufactured SAE-I High Power Suctor (DNA Group).

Material and Methods:

An in vitro exploratory design was performed where patient care was simulated with a mannequin to an accommodation in a dental chair. Random turbine movements were performed simulating procedures for 15 minutes. Fluorescein sodium (0.1%) was introduced into the irrigation reservoirs of a high-speed air-turbine. Qualitative filter papers 12.5 centimeters in diameter were used to collect aerosols and placed, changed to 30, 60 and 90 minutes for each group. Three groups were formed: 1) control, 2) (saliva) ejector, 3) ejector + SAE-I and 4) SAE-I. Filters were photographed under ultraviolet fluorescent light and the percentage of the colored area was obtained by image processing.

Results:

It could be observed that at the instant of aerosol production the control group and SAE-I group obtained greater coloration in the distances of 30 and 60 cm. While the ejector group obtained coloration only at 60 cm and the SAE-I + ejector group at 30 cm, but both in similar proportion.

Conclusion:

The combined use of SAE-I together and the dental ejector helped reduce aerosols produced by the dental high-speed turbine.

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