The management of aerosols with airpolishing delivery systems.

P roper angulation of the airpolisher handpiece and use of high-velocity evacuation significantly minimize the generation and the liberation of the aerosol particles into the dental environment. 1S16 As can been seen in Figures 1 through 3. the handpiece nozzle should be held 3-4 mm from the tooth surface, The handpiece nozzle should be kept at a 60 0 angle toward the facial and lingual surfaces of the anterior teeth (Figure 1), and an 80 0 angle toward the buccal and lingual surfaces of the posterior teeth (Figure 2), Occlusal surfaces should be polished by directing the handpiece nozzle at a 90° angle to the occlusal surface (Figure 3). Incorrect angUlation of the handpiece nozzle is probably the single most common cause of excess aerosol production. When clinicians direct the handpiece at a 90 0 angle toward facial. buccal. and some lingual surfaces. the result is an immediate reflux of the aerosolized spray back onto the operator (Figure 4). Changing the angle of incidence to the proper angulations of 60 0 and 80 0 will result in a change in the angle of reflection. thus reducing the amount of reflux of aerosolized spray. Research shows that. in addition to utilizing correct angulations. high-velocity evacuation IS significantly reduces patient and operator exposure to aerosolized particulates. The high-velocity evacuator should be held as close to the handpiece nozzle as possible. or parallel to it.