Systems and methods to reduce spatter and aerosol during dental procedures

Abstract

A method and apparatus to remove spatter and aerosol during dental procedures with may feature a deflector mounted upon a mouthpiece structure that directs emitted aerosols and spatter into a narrower cone for easier collection and evacuation. The mouthpiece may also serve as a cheek retractor and as an oral suction apparatus during a procedure. Increasing collection cup size and providing negative airflow will also improve the control of spatter and aerosol.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A dental mouthpiece comprising:
 a mouthpiece body divided into two portions, each portion further comprising:   a body having an external cheek retraction groove;   a deflector wall defining an upwards orientation and having an angle of deflection in relation to the body; and   an elastic connector defining a forward side of the mouthpiece and joining the two portions;   wherein, one deflector wall is oriented with an end further towards a rear of the mouthpiece than a second deflector wall such that when positioned together the one deflector wall will overlap the second deflector wall, presenting a unified deflector cup.   
     
     
         2 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 1 , further comprising suction inlets internal of the mouthpiece body, said suction inlets in operable communication with a suction device through a collection cup. 
     
     
         3 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 2 , the angle of deflection being greater than 10°. 
     
     
         4 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 1 , the angle of deflection being greater than 10°. 
     
     
         5 . A method of collecting aerosol and spatter created during oral procedures, the method comprising:
 a step of positioning a collection cup at least 8 inches above a patient's mouth;   an additional step of providing negative airflow, directed downward towards the patient.   
     
     
         6 . The method of collecting aerosol and spatter of  claim 5 , the collection cup having a diameter of at least 12 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The method of collecting aerosol and spatter of  claim 5 , further comprising a step of providing a dental mouthpiece, said mouthpiece being divided into two portions, each portion further comprising:
 a body having an external cheek retraction groove;   a deflector wall defining an upwards orientation and having an angle of deflection in relation to the body; and   an elastic connector defining a forward side of the mouthpiece and joining the two portions;   wherein, one deflector wall is oriented with an end further towards a rear of the mouthpiece than a second deflector wall such that when positioned together the one deflector wall will overlap the second deflector wall, presenting a unified deflector cup.   
     
     
         8 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 7 , further comprising suction inlets internal of the mouthpiece body, said suction inlets in operable communication with a suction device through a collection cup. 
     
     
         9 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 8 , the angle of deflection being greater than 10°. 
     
     
         10 . The dental mouthpiece of  claim 7 , the angle of deflection being greater than 10°.