Table 1: Dental instruments that produce aerosols and contamination associated risk.

DENTAL DEVICESPRODUCING AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION
Ultrasonic and Sonic Scalers Greatest source of aerosolcontamination
High risk of dissemination
Air Polishing Moderate to high source of aerosolcontamination
Turbine Handpiece Moderate to high airborne contamination*
Low speed handpiece Minimal to moderate airborne contamination*
Ultrasonic and Sonic Surgery devices Moderate to high airborne contamination
Laser (CO2; diode; Er:YAG; Nd:YAG) Minimal airborne contamination (plume from the infected tissue)

*Depending if a rubber dam is used