Consultants’ Comments

• “Quick and easy – no set up required.”
• “Great tongue retraction – I liked it best for kids with busy tongues.”
• “Good product for use during digital scanning – maintains a dry field and the tongue retraction is key.”
• “The hard material is uncomfortable for the patient.”
• “The material is too rigid – needs to be softer so patient can bite down easier.”
• “Make this in two or three sizes, including a larger size for adults.”

Description

E-Z Blok is a disposable plastic bite block with tongue retraction. E-Z Blok is designed to make dental procedures easier by helping patients keep their mouths open during procedures, while keeping the tongue blocked and helping prevent iatrogenic injuries to the tongue. The bite block has a hole designed for insertion of a saliva ejector and is available in a universal size that fits most adults and children five years and older. E-Z Blok is sold in left “L” and right “R” configurations in packages of 20 (10 pieces each side). E-Z Blok was evaluated by 33 consultants in 469 uses. It received an 85% rating.

Product Features

Consultants reported that E-Z Blok was easy to use and provided great tongue retraction. The hard plastic does not provide any cushion for the teeth to close into, and the teeth would often slip out of position. The size is good for small mouths but did not provide wide enough opening in many cases. Seventy percent of consultants reported that it was a good value due to low cost. Most consultants found it to be rigid and uncomfortable for the patient. The size was not correct for many patients. Thirty-six percent of consultants reported that E-Z Blok was better than their current bite block and 24% reported that it was equivalent. Thirty-six percent would switch to E-Z Blok and 67% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• Bend the saliva ejector for better retention in the block.

• Rotate the block into the mouth to capture the tongue.

• The “Left” and “Right” designations on the packages refer to the patient’s side where the block is placed, not the operative side.