Introduction: The usage of the rubber dam provides a greater safety during its use in a dental appointment, not only in terms of cross-infection, as well as providing the dentist with an aseptic, clean, dry environment and with a good visibility of the operating field. When using rotary instruments, we are inadvertently forming aerosols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the rubber dam interferes in the distribution of dental aerosols generated during caries treatment, while using rotary instruments. Materials and methods: A research was carried out in the Pubmed/MEDLINE database with the following terms: “rubber dam”, “dental dam” and “aerosol contamination”. After that, an evaluation of the distribution of bacterial aerosols produced during the execution of caries treatments was carried out in the form of counts in petri plaques with specific environments for bacteria and fungi. In the final phase of the study, clinical isolates were identified through nucleotide sequencing, in order to analyze the microorganisms that may be present during a dental treatment. Results: The number of colony forming units was superior in the groups not using rubber dam in comparison to its use. In the operator and assistant there was no statistically significant difference, while in the tray there was significant difference. After nucleotide sequencing of the cultures was found the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus e Bacillus. Conclusion It is beneficial to use the rubber dam, as well as other barrier-methods associated with it (mouthwashes with an antimicrobial solution, gloves, masks, and visor) in order to reduce the risk of contamination for the clinical team, as well as to provide greater safety for the patient during the treatment.
- Rubber dam
- Dental dam
- Aerosol contamination
- Mestrado em Medicina Dentária
Dique de borracha na diminuição de microrganismos nos aerossóis
Milheiro, A. P. D. S. G. (Student). 27 Jul 2021
Student thesis: Master's Thesis