{"id":338,"date":"2020-05-12T14:14:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rauchberg.com\/blog\/?p=338"},"modified":"2020-06-16T14:17:53","modified_gmt":"2020-06-16T14:17:53","slug":"dental-suction-and-why-it-is-used","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rauchberg.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/12\/dental-suction-and-why-it-is-used\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is Dental Chairside Suction Important Amid the COVID-19 Crisis?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While having your teeth cleaned, you might be tempted to ask your dentist or hygienist about the different types of instruments and equipment used to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. Some might seem self-explanatory, but others may have you wondering about its real purpose, such as the dental suction<\/a> device. Is it really only for removing accumulating saliva and blood? Let\u2019s spend some time looking into the reason your dentist values this particular instrument and how it\u2019s better protecting both you and the staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Dental Chairside Suction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Used by hygienists and dentists for years to easily remove built-up fluids within the mouth (i.e. blood, saliva), dental chairside suction<\/a> is one of the most important instruments found in a dentist\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of devices: high-volume evacuator (HVE) or low-volume evacuator (LVE). Measured based on how much air is pulled in over a period of time, your dentist might have relied on an LVE in the past. However, with COVID-19 causing dramatic changes to occur within the dental industry, most are trading them in for an HVE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is It Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During any type of dental appointment, aerosols are generated when your dentist uses different types of instruments (i.e. a drill). These particles can easily travel from you to a staff member because of the close proximity in which the dental work must be completed. While some particles can fall immediately to the floor, most do not and can remain airborne for more than an hour. As a result, they can infect your dentist or hygienist, leading to serious illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 poses a serious threat right now because of its easy transmission via touch or aerosols. To reduce the risk of potential infection, your dental team will not only wear personal protective equipment (PPE), but they will also use high-speed evacuation to minimize aerosol contamination. This will allow for the removal of harmful aerosols before they ever leave your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Other Safety Measures is Your Dentist Taking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from improving the power and effectiveness of various dental tools, your dentist is also implementing additional protocols such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n