What type of mask should be worn during procedures that generate aerosols?

During procedures that generate aerosols, wearing an N95 respirator or an equivalent is essential because these masks are specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including large respiratory droplets and smaller aerosolized droplets that can carry infectious agents. This high level of filtration is crucial in dental settings, where aerosol-generating procedures can release saliva and blood into the air, increasing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

The N95 respirator ensures a tight fit around the face, which helps to minimize the risk of airborne contaminants entering through gaps that can be present with looser-fitting masks. This capability is particularly important during high-risk procedures, making the N95 or equivalent masks the standard recommendation in infection control guidelines for healthcare settings, including dental practices.

In contrast, surgical masks primarily protect the patient from the healthcare worker's respiratory droplets but do not provide the same level of protection against inhaling aerosols produced during procedures. Cloth masks offer minimal filtration effectiveness in comparison to N95 respirators and are generally not recommended for use during aerosol-generating procedures. Lastly, no mask is not a safe option in this context, as it significantly increases the risk of exposure to infectious agents.