---
title: Computational Tracking of Dental Splatter
description: "Droplet tracking analysis showed the use of a 9.3µm CO2  laser reduced the amount, speed and displacement
of splatter as compared to a high-speed drill."
---

[Clinical Studies | Convergent Dental ](https://www.convergentdental.com/clinical-studies)

# [Computational Tracking of Dental Splatter](https://www.convergentdental.com/clinical-studies/clinical/computational-tracking-of-dental-splatter-comparison-of-highspeed-drill-and-9-3µm-co2-laser)

 Written by [Open Access Journal of Dental Sciences (OAJDS)](https://www.convergentdental.com/clinical-studies/author/open-access-journal-of-dental-sciences-oajds) | Sep 8, 2020 1:59:14 PM

*Crawley R, Badreddine A, Kerbage C and Mizner M*

### ABSTRACT ([Click here for full study](https://medwinpublishers.ipage.com/OAJDS/computational-tracking-of-dental-splatter-comparison-of-highspeed-drill-and-9.3%C2%B5m-co2-laser.pdf))

### Objective

The purpose of this study was to track and characterize visible oral splatter generated by a 9.3 µm CO2 laser compared to that of a traditional high-speed dental drill when performing a cavity preparation procedure.

### Methods

Extracted human second molars were placed in a dental-simulator mannequin head, which was positioned in a local dentist’s operatory, along with a high-volume evacuation (HVE) system to simulate a typical clinical environment. A cavity preparation was performed using both a 9.3 µm CO2 laser and high-speed drill, while maintaining identical cutting angle and location in the mouth. A high-speed camera was used to capture the splatter ejected from the mouth. The recordings were analyzed with both manual and computational-tracking methods using an image analysis software. A quantitative analysis of the tracked droplets was performed to determine splatter displacement, speed, and rate of droplet formation during the procedure for both the 9.3 µm CO2 laser and drill.

### Results

Over the visible tracking range during a time of maximal droplet generation, the 9.3 µm CO2 laser, relative to the drill, generated 93.5% fewer droplets per second, reduced mean droplet speed by 35%, and reduced average maximum droplet speed by 50%. At a typical distance between the patient and the dentist, 0% of the laser-generated droplets, and 12% drill-generated droplets traveled a net displacement of >30 cm from the tooth. Mean splatter displacement rate, a weighted representation of the combined displacements of droplets over time, was 95% lower for the 9.3 µm CO2 laser than for the drill.

### Conclusions

Droplet tracking analysis showed that the use of a 9.3 µm CO2 laser reduced the amount, speed and displacement of splatter as compared to a conventional high-speed drill. Since splatter may harbor infectious pathogens, the laser reduces the risk of infection to dental practitioners.

[View full post](https://www.convergentdental.com/clinical-studies/clinical/computational-tracking-of-dental-splatter-comparison-of-highspeed-drill-and-9-3µm-co2-laser)

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