High volume suction helps control COVID-19 viral contamination via aerosol in dentistry

H Akin and colleagues from the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey carried out this study with the objective to investigate the presence of SARS CoV-2 in aerosol and COVID-19 contamination distance during ultrasonic scaling and tooth preparation.

The first hypothesis of the study was that SARS CoV-2 would be detected in aerosol during ultrasonic scaling and tooth preparation with medium-volume suction in the clinical environment. The second hypothesis of the study was that there is no difference in aerosol contamination between medium- and high-volume suctions.

Twenty-four patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. Removal of supragingival plaque with ultrasonic instruments for 10 min and high-speed air-turbine using for the simulation of cutting the maxillary right canine tooth with a round diamond bur for 5 min were performed.

Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: In Group A, medium-volume suction was used during treatment. In Group B, high-volume suction with an aerosol cannula was added to medium-volume suction.

Prior to treatment, 5 glass petri dishes containing viral transport medium were placed in the operating room. After treatment, petri dishes were immediately delivered to a microbiology laboratory for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.

The interesting findings noted by the authors were that the RT-PCR test results were negative for all specimens in Group B. However, 5 positive test results for COVID-19 were detected in Group A specimens.

Hence, the authors concluded that "Suction with an aerosol cannula is very important to prevent COVID-19 viral contamination via aerosol. In addition, a high-volume suction capacity (air volume) of 150 mmHg or 325 l/min is sufficient for elimination of viral contamination. Thus, high-volume suction should be used during dental treatments in COVID-19 patients."