A simple device for positioning intraoral x-ray sensors.

This article describes a simple technique for positioning an intraoral x-ray sensor in patients who are undergoing procedures such as endodontic treatment or post fitting for a crown. By placing a wooden tongue depressor and sensor inside an infection control barrier, the patient is able to hold the sensor comfortably in position without removing the rubber dam clamp, while the patient's fingers are kept out of the path of the x-ray beam.

Reducing Staphylococcus aureus bacterial counts in a dental clinic using an Ionic Breeze air purifier: a preliminary study.

Aerosols and droplets generated by dental procedures are contaminated with blood and bacteria and represent a potential route for the transmission of disease. This study sought to determine if Ionic Breeze air purifiers are effective in collecting and destroying bacteria found in dental aerosols (such as Staphylococcus aureus). This study placed one Sharper Image Professional Series Ionic Breeze Quadra unit and one Ionic Breeze GP unit (with germicidal protection) in dental operatories within the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.

Low-cost screening for microbial contaminants in aerosols generated in a dental office.

It has been reported that aerosols and droplets generated by high-speed dental drills and cavitrons are contaminated with blood and bacteria and represent a potential route for transmitting disease. Bacterial cells possess a negative electrical charge, while the cathode ray tubes (CRT) that are used in computer monitors generate positively charged static electric fields. Consequently, bacteria dispersed within these aerosols could be attracted to the screens on CRT monitors.

Evaluation of compressed air used in the dental operatory.

Background: The authors report the findings obtained when they quantitatively examined compressed air samples from air-water syringes located in different dental operatories at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry fo r the presence of microbial contaminants.

Methods: Streams of air of 30 seconds' duration from air-water syringes were forced through sterile modified stainless steel membrane filter holders (Millipore, Millipore Corp., Bedford, Mass.