Today's dental practitioners are exploring the latest technologies available to ensure a positive patient experience and efficient care in the chair. These include the all-important dental suction tools, such as saliva ejectors and aspirators, that keep the patient comfortable and the procedural field clear.
In this article, we will discuss the role of saliva ejectors and aspirators in dental procedures, modern products that optimize efficiency and patient comfort, and the importance of selecting high-quality suction solutions.
Saliva ejector tips provide low-volume suction during preventive procedures to manage moisture in the patient’s mouth. Aspirators, on the other hand, are high-volume evacuators (HVEs) that remove both saliva and debris during surgical and restorative procedures. While both technologies help manage aerosols, HVE equipment has been shown to provide the best aerosol control, removing up to 98% of aerosol particles. When the use of saliva ejectors or aspirators is accompanied by the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, shields, gowns, and gloves, they all work together to keep practitioners and patients safer and healthier.
Both saliva ejectors and surgical aspirators are critical tools for keeping the mouth clear of excess moisture, but they also differ in many ways. Saliva ejectors are typically used for removing lighter volumes of fluids and are ideal for procedures such as performing cleanings, applying sealants, and filling small cavities. Whereas aspirators are used for removing heavier volumes of fluids, along with debris and tooth fragments, such as during complex restorative procedures and surgeries.
Saliva ejectors have perforations that enable the removal of liquids but not larger particles. They produce less suction and are quieter than aspirators, effectively and consistently managing saliva in the oral cavity while ensuring patient comfort and avoiding dry mouth.
Aspirators tend to produce a higher level of noise as the high-volume evacuator quickly suctions out liquids and debris, preventing the patient from swallowing or inhaling these materials. They are very efficient and keep the site clear for the practitioner, but may also cause dry mouth in the patient if overused.
While keeping the mouth clear for practitioner visuals and patient comfort, saliva ejectors and aspirators can also aid in tongue control and cheek retraction to help procedures go smoothly.
Angled dental mirrors give practitioners better visibility inside the patient’s mouth, aiding in diagnosing and caring for patients. When mirror and suction functions are combined in a disposable suction mirror, practitioners have a tool that is both highly efficient and effective for treating patients. Providing a smart combination of HVE suction and anti-fog mirror in one, this tool also aids in retraction while providing upper, lower, and surrounding suction. And, since it is made of recyclable materials, it can be disposed of in good conscience.
An autoclavable saliva ejector equipped with an optical mirror also provides the benefits of suction and increased visibility one. This robust, chrome-plated reusable tool enables effective cheek retraction and reliable liquid evacuation. Since it features an ergonomic design that excels at tongue retraction as well, practitioners are equipped with an instrument that increases efficiency while keeping the patient’s tongue comfortably and safely out of the way of procedures.
When it comes to disposable saliva ejector tips, many designs do more than just chairside suction. Some come pre-molded in an anatomical shape to keep the tongue in place while maximizing evacuation.
Other disposable saliva ejectors include eco-friendly, latex-free options featuring a highly flexible, adjustable coil to ensure patient comfort while controlling the tongue and moisture.
Another option is a disposable saliva injector with a chin-lock feature to keep the tongue in position and reduce the risk of injury. With a large suction surface and a filter that traps amalgam particles and other solids, this product prevents blockage of tubing and pipes.
Petal-shaped saliva ejector holders provide hands-free convenience for the practitioner and keep the saliva ejector in place in the back corner of the patient’s mouth. Perfect for use during ultrasonic scaling, sealant application, and other preventive procedures, they also protect the patient’s cheek from suction to prevent any tissue irritation.
While keeping the mouth clear for practitioner visuals and patient comfort, the latest saliva ejectors and aspirators can also provide a mirror function, as well as aid in tongue control and cheek retraction, to help procedures go smoothly. Overall, selecting high-quality saliva ejectors and aspirators will go a long way to ensuring clean and efficient procedures and better patient comfort and care.
Modern dental practitioners have a responsibility to their patients and themselves to ensure fluids and debris from patients' mouths are well-managed during procedures. Choosing products that are comfortable in the mouth and on the tongue, offer good retraction, and provide a clear view into the oral cavity will help optimize practitioner efficiency and patient outcomes for happy smiles all around.