Reduction of aerosol and droplet dispersions using intraoral and extraoral vacuums for dental treatments with face-up, diagonal and upright positions

Abstract Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives and dental treatment. Aerosols and droplets generated during dental treatment present a risk of infection for dental care workers. However, detailed elucidation of the conditions under which those are generated has yet to be presented, and no clear countermeasures for protection have been established. The present study aimed to clarify the process of generation of aerosol and droplets in dental treatment, as well as their dynamics for establishment of effective countermeasures and protection strategies. Methods Images were obtained using a high-speed camera of aerosol and droplets generated during dental treatments performed on a mannequin. The effects of intraoral vacuum and extraoral vacuum to reduce those, as well as splash range with different body position were examined. Quantitative evaluations of aerosol and droplets were also performed using water-sensitive paper. Results Aerosol and droplets quantities were significantly reduced by use of both intraoral and extraoral vacuums as compared to no vacuum in both image analysis and findings obtained with water-sensitive paper (p