Splatter generated by oral surgery irrigation and its implication for infection control

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the splatter contamination generated by rotary instrumentation and irrigation during simulations of surgical extractions. Specifically, comparisons of the splatters generated were made between traditional assistant-based irrigation and self-irrigating drills and between saline and hydrogen peroxide irrigant. Materials and methods: A fluorescein solution was infiltrated into the irrigation system of high-speed drills, and the surgical extraction procedures were performed on manikins with the typodont teeth. Filter papers were placed at the predetermined locations around the operatory to absorb the fluorescein splatters; these samples underwent photographic image analysis. Results: The patient chest showed the largest area of splatters, followed by the assistant’s face shield. Procedures using the hydrogen peroxide irrigant generated a larger area of splatter than those using the saline irrigant. There was no difference between the splatters produced by assistant irrigation and self-irrigating drill procedures. Conclusions: Clinicians should observe and disinfect the locations contaminated by splatters to prevent the spread of infection, since using alternative irrigant or irrigation methods did not reduce the formation of splatters. Clinical relevance: Oral surgery drills with irrigation generate aerosols and splatters, which have potential to spread airborne pathogens. It is important to understand the patterns of splatters to mitigate contamination.