Efficacy of graphene nanocomposites for air disinfection in dental clinics: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Aerosols containing disease-causing microorganisms are produced during oral diagnosis and treatment can cause secondary contamination. AIM To investigate the use of graphene material for air disinfection in dental clinics by leveraging its adsorption and antibacterial properties. METHODS Patients who received ultrasonic cleaning at our hospital from April 2023 to April 2024. They were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 20 each): Graphene nanocomposite material suction group (Group A), ordinary filter suction group (Group B), and no air suction device group (Group C). The air quality and air colony count in the clinic rooms were assessed before, during, and after the procedure. Additionally, bacterial colony counts were obtained from the air outlets of the suction devices and the filter screens in Groups A and B. RESULTS Before ultrasonic cleaning, no significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were observed among the three groups. However, significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were noted among the three groups during ultrasonic cleaning and after ultrasonic treatment. Additionally, the number of colonies on the exhaust port of the suction device and the surface of the filter were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION Graphene nanocomposites can effectively sterilize the air in dental clinics by exerting their antimicrobial effects and may be used to reduce secondary pollution.