What equipment is known to produce aerosols during dental procedures?

The Cavitron, also known as an ultrasonic scaler, is specifically designed to produce high-frequency vibrations that can effectively remove calculus and plaque from teeth. During this process, the vibrations, combined with a water spray for cooling and flushing, create tiny droplets in the air, referred to as aerosols. These aerosols can contain infectious agents and other contaminants, which can pose a risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases in a dental setting.

In contrast, the other pieces of equipment listed do not generate aerosols during their normal operation. A hand mirror is primarily a reflective surface used for visualization and does not interact with dental materials or tissues in a manner that produces aerosols. Similarly, a dental light illuminates the treatment area but does not create any airborne particles. An X-ray machine involves radiographic imaging, which also does not result in aerosol production. Hence, while all the equipment plays important roles in dental practice, only the Cavitron directly contributes to aerosol generation during treatment procedures.