What else we can do to prevent our patient from cross infection during the ultrasonic scaler treatment

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What else we can do to prevent our patient from cross infection during the ultrasonic scaler treatment

The cross infection can be caused during various dental treatment procedures and ultrasonic scaling of teeth is one of them. The dentist ultrasonic scaler used in this procedure can produce bacterial aerosols in high amount which considerably increase the chances of cross infection. During dental procedures the composition of the aerosol produced by the air and water emerging from the mouth of the patient can be harmful not only for the patient but for the dentist also. This hazardous situation can be prevented by using various protective measures. 

Reasons of cross infection

The growth of microbes is a common event while treating the dental oral cavities, especially while using dentist ultrasonic scaler, which can be harmful more for the dentist because of repeated exposure to these microorganisms in their professional life. They can get contaminated by the aerosols containing infectious elements, instruments or in person contact with contaminated tissues. During ultrasonic scaling the dentist has to remove calculus deposits and bacterial plaque from the dental surface to obtain an acceptable surface of their roots to protect healthy tissues of their teeth. 

The generator driven ultrasonic scaler used for this purpose create heat due to friction when placed in the teeth which is cooled through a stream of water which helps in generating aerosols due to mixing of contaminants in the fluids in the mouth to contaminate the entire environment around the dentist and the patient. 

Protecting the patient from cross infection

There are several methods to protect the patient as well as the dentist from the cross infection generated by the use of the ultrasonic scaler. 

High velocity evacuation procedure: The chances of aerosols and splatter can be reduced considerably by using high velocity evacuation procedures as it can reduce the chances contamination more than 90%. It can be used effectively either with the help of an assistant or a saliva ejector, in the absence of the assistant. 

Traditional barriers: Standard methods to control infection during dental treatments like protective eye wear or face shield can also be used to protect the dentist and his assistant from the possibility of cross infection while using dentist ultrasonic scaler. 

Proper maintenance of air conditioning system: The patient as well as the dentist and his staff can also be saved from cross infection during ultrasonic scaling procedure if the clinic id properly ventilated even when it is closed at night. It is possible only its air conditioning system is regularly maintained as it helps in reducing the concentration of bacterial aerosols in the environment of the dental clinic. 

Disinfecting the mouth of the patient: The chances of cross contamination while using the ultrasonic scaler can be reduced considerably by disinfecting the mouth of the patient with a quality mouthwash containing essential oil along with 0.2% chlorhexidine before starting the procedure. It will reduce the formation of colony forming units in patient’s mouth causing cross infection in the entire environment of the clinic.

Thus the patient can be protected from cross infection during the use of dentist ultrasonic scaler for scaling his teeth.