Investigation of the presence of SARS CoV-2 in aerosol after dental treatment

Akin, H; Karabay, O; Toptan, H; Furuncuoglu, H; Kaya, G; Akin, EG; Koroglu, M

AIMS: The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of SARS CoV-2 in aerosol and COVID-19 contamination distance during ultrasonic scaling and tooth preparation. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.