TABLE 2.

DENTAL DEVICES AND PROCEDURES KNOWN TO PRODUCE AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION.

Ultrasonic and Sonic Scalers	Considered the greatest source of aerosol contamination; use of a high-volume evacuator will reduce the airborne contamination by more than 95 percent
Air Polishing	Bacterial counts indicate that airborne contamination is nearly equal to that of ultrasonic scalers; available suction devices will reduce airborne contamination by more than 95 percent
Air-Water Syringe	Bacterial counts indicate that airborne contamination is nearly equal to that of ultrasonic scalers; high-volume evacuator will reduce airborne bacteria by nearly 99 percent
Tooth Preparation With Air Turbine Handpiece	Minimal airborne contamination if a rubber dam is used
Tooth Preparation With Air Abrasion	Bacterial contamination is unknown; extensive contamination with abrasive particles has been shown