Air particulate concentration during orthodontic procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study
Dental practices are potentially at risk of transmission for COVID-19 and some protocols have been established in order to make the risk as low as possible.
However, there prevails a tendency to think that orthodontists have a lower risk of disease compared to professionals in other fields of dentistry, but it has been found out that during treatment, the number of particles of 0.3 microns—which have a high capacity to penetrate the respiratory tract increase, suggests a study.
This study published in the BMC Oral Health Journal, evaluates the particle dispersion involved in dental procedures carried out during orthodontic treatments. Variants such as temperature and relative humidity in the dental cabinet were considered.
Inmaculada Martín-Quintero and associates from the Department of Orthodontics, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, Madrid, Spain conducted a pilot study using a particle counter, in which 98 consecutive recordings were made during appointments of patients undergoing orthodontic treatments.
This pilot study shows the significant increase in number of particles starting from the moment the patient enters the dental cabinet and removes the mask compared to those that existed during the basal environmental particles that may be found earlier. Regarding the particles generated during treatment, the main finding is an increase in particles of 0.3 micron.
The number of particles, especially smaller ones, increases from the time of control time with an empty room compared to the beginning of the treatment time (300%). This is important as it indicates that some of the measured particles are not exclusively generated by the treatment.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.