It goes without saying that some procedures produce a lot of aerosols; we even call them Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs). Controlling them can be a challenge. Ho Dental Company designed the AiroPur Aerosol Suction Cup to combat this problem. The cup attaches directly to the HVE valve and is held by the patient in line with their lower lip. It is designed to be disposable but can also be fully autoclaved if desired.
Initial Insights
It’s great that the patient can get a sense of control.
The patient can position it where they want, rather than having it hang on their lip.
I think some patients might like that they can spit in it if they feel the need.
Patients said it was comfortable and easy to hold.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
With concerns over COVID transmission in dental offices, there is a lot of focus on controlling aerosols. Cazoo Extraoral Aerosol Evacuator by SOTA Imaging is a uniquely-shaped reusable solution. It connects directly to HVE and rests on the patient’s lip. It does not need to be moved to access different quadrants of the mouth, and can be hooked to most cheek retractors. Cazoo’s geometric opening reportedly optimizes aerosol control by remaining closer to the working area without blocking the clinician’s view. At just $99 each, Cazoo is one of the more affordable options available.
Easy to set up and hold
Initial Insights
I love that it can be autoclaved.
My patient said she felt like it really did pull aerosols into it!
It’s not heavy at all, but I did have my patient hold it so it wouldn’t fall.
In my experience, most extraoral suction devices are loud; Cazoo is quieter than many and it’s very easy to hear over it.
Super easy to hook it up onto the HVE; fits perfectly.
Keep an eye out for this product in a future issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
The HVE Air Protect Series from Air Techniques is designed to capture ambient aerosol. Available in two models, a swivel-head HVE and a combination retractor-HVE. An adapter is available to utilize hands-free with a saliva ejector during hygiene procedures (see photos below). HVE Air Protect is reusable and autoclavable.
Swiveling the shield on the HVE Air Protect
Using the adapter to combine the HVE Air Protect and a saliva ejector
Hands-free suction and aerosol capture
Initial Insights
I love the retraction feature!
This HVE feels lighter and has a better angle than a straight, disposable HVE tip.
The extra HVE didn’t feel heavy hanging on my face.
The 360º swivel head can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the amount of aerosol being generated.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Aerosol Assist is a hands-free suction device designed to reduce aerosols during dental procedures while acting as a high volume suction. There is space for a typical saliva ejector (SE) tip, and the “funnel” is designed to capture aerosols during the procedure. Once it is attached to HVE, it is placed in the patient’s mouth against the cheek; be sure to avoid leaning it against the patient’s teeth. After use the device is rinsed, cleaned with a tube-brush, and then autoclaved before reuse.
Our team tried out the prototype; what is pictured is not the final product.
Device placed in patient’s mouth
Device placed against cheek, not touching any teeth
Aerosol Assist with a green SE tip
Aerosol Assist set up in an operatory
Aerosol Assist with a pink SE tip
Initial Insights
The Aerosol Assist allowed me to retract with a mirror while scaling and it took care of all the suction on its own.
Very strong suction, my patient said it felt like it even dried out her entire mouth.
It didn’t feel like saliva pooled at all, even on the opposite side.
Super easy setup.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
We recently received the VacuVUE HVE Mirror (Ascentcare™ Dental Products). This mirror/suction/retraction device hooks up easily to your existing high-volume suction line. Some of its top features include a PureHD mirror, has suction on both the front and the back, and has replacement mirrors for when scratches occur. The kit also contains a Wrist-Assist, a small holder that attaches to the user’s wrist to take the weight of VacuVUE out of the hand.
Initial Insights
Strong suction.
Mirror is pretty thick, which allows for better suction but can make it tough to maneuver in certain situations.
Attaches to HVE so you may not be able to use it in hygiene rooms.
Suction on the backside as well allows you to retract the cheek while using the handpiece and still utilize the suction.
The “wrist assist vacuum line relief band” (included in evaluation) made a big difference in the weight on your wrist.
Keep an eye out for more on this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
The PatientsShield™ by MB Dental Solutions is designed to trap and remove aerosols generated during dental procedures. It consists of a clear, square shield positioned above the patient’s head by a flexible arm. A disposable plastic curtain is attached to the shield. The patient is then instructed to hold a suction cone beneath the drape to help catch aerosols.
Initial Insights
The arm stays exactly where I put it; I only have to bend it once and don’t have to readjust it. It was also quick to set up.
The shield gave me a very large viewing area and didn’t interfere with my vision.
It took some practice to get my hands underneath the drape comfortably.
Keep watching for this product in a future issue of Dental Advisor!
