Did you know that the spit-vacuum that the dental staff uses during dental procedures greatly affects the health and safety of the practice? Though it seems like its sole function is to keep you from drooling while your dentist is working on your mouth, it has other crucial parts to play as well. Whether your dentist uses a portable dental suction unit, this device is necessary for safe dental treatment. Read on to learn more about dental suction and the importance of this device in the dental field.
About Portable Dental Suction Unit
Dental professionals use a dental suction unit in oral cavity treatment. This dental equipment can pump foreign bodies attached to the gums, such as oral secretion and dirty blood. Generally, you can see a 
dental suction unit in clinics and hospitals treating oral health issues.
Portable dental suction units are capable of offering the suction necessary during dental procedures in a brief setting. It is significant for mobile dental suction systems to be lightweight and durable enough to quickly move from one spot to another. Be sure to practice setting up a portable suction system so you can confidently make it work when in the field.
Suction and Mobile Dentistry
Suction has a vital role in dentistry overall. Without this, dentists and staff would be unable to clear the saliva or blood from the mouth. Getting rid of these fluids in the mouth creates an open working environment and keeps the patient from choking and aspiration.
Mobile dentistry frequently uses unique vehicles that have been furnished to accommodate dental exams and treatments. This may also have installed generators that provide wall-mounted suction. Furthermore, mobile dentistry offers dental services to remote areas that need roads or is hindered by unpleasant territory. Because of that, a portable dental suction system is crucial in mobile dentistry.
Basic Suctioning Techniques
The following techniques for dental suctioning can guarantee a safe and comfortable procedure for the patient:
- Speak with the patient regarding the procedure before starting the treatment, particularly if the patient experiences dental anxiety.
- For regular dental procedures, talk about the treatment plan with the dentist before starting. This is crucial, especially if the dentist will treat several mouth areas since the patient and the dentist should work around each other.
- Place the suction device properly to not absorb oral tissue such as the tongue or gums.
- Refrain from obstructing the dentist’s mirror or view. You might need to change the suction position frequently. Also, avoid touching any dental tools with the suction tip.
- Do not pull the middle of the patient’s throat straightforwardly because this can cause choking, gagging, and pain.
- Check for damaged equipment, broken teeth, and any other danger factors for choking and dental aspiration. Responding quickly to a sudden emergency can prevent choking.
- Position the attachment opposite the dentist’s handpiece. It must be sideways and exceptionally close to the dental aerosol, mostly about 1-2 centimetres away.
- As with any operation, console the patient, especially when there are strange noises or the patient gags or coughs.
The Importance of Dental Suction Unit
After knowing the technique to properly use the suction device, let’s explore its importance in patient safety and dental practice.
Leaving Your Airway Unobstructed
Suppose you have anxiety or a lengthy dental treatment, such as getting a full mouth of porcelain veneers or dental implants. Then, in that case, your dentist may give you anaesthesia to make you feel more comfortable. The suction unit will allow your dentist to keep your airways unobstructed and clear all through the entire procedure. This can make you easily breathe while feeling more relaxed under sedation.
Eliminating Saliva to Improve The Treatment
A dental crown, bonding, or porcelain veneers require the use of highly effective bonding substances to guarantee that your treatment will hold up against frequent wear and tear. During the dental procedure, your mouth may produce more saliva than expected because of the presence of unfamiliar objects in your mouth, such as a dental mirror. In any case, too much saliva coating on the treated area can make the treatment ineffective. This case is particularly true for bonding agents since excess saliva can make the material improperly secure to the teeth. However, with the use of a dental suction unit, your dentist can smoothly secure your restoration. The device can eliminate a more significant part of the saliva and dry the treatment area.
Preventing Choking During the Procedure
Individuals who have poor muscle tone, dental anxiety, or a compromised airway can be in danger of choking during dental treatment. This case is more likely to happen if saliva is not consistently taken out from the mouth. It is likewise generally hard to swallow when a dentist is working in your mouth and you are lying down in a dental chair. The device can prevent choking and aspiration during the procedure. In addition, dental suction units are also helpful tools while treating younger children.
Keeping the Treatment Environment Sanitized
During restorative or cosmetic treatment, you might see your dentist bring out quick dental instruments like polishers. These happen so rapidly that they can turn your saliva and the entirety of the germs or 
bacteria present in it into a harmful aerosol that can be inhaled and spread to encompassing surfaces. If it goes unnoticed, patients and dental staff can get sick. The dental suction system actually diminishes the number of harmful aerosols. It also keeps a plume from developing while your dentist is finishing the treatment. In short, this thing makes the surroundings safer and more sterile for both patients and staff.
Going to a dentist with modern technology and equipment has its advantages. Not exclusively will guarantee your safety during your dental procedure. Yet, it will likewise lessen your risk of turning out to be sick or having an uncomfortable treatment!
Discover the Right Dental Suction Device
Getting a suitable suction device, whether portable or on a chair, is essential in dental practice. The equipment you should get must deliver consistent suction, use an attachment that is a suitable size for the patient and the procedure, and bring down the risk of complications and inconvenience.
At Cattani Compressors, we can provide reliable and high-quality dental products and equipment at an affordable price. So, if you need a new dental suction unit, a dental compressor, or a portable dental turbine system for your clinic, call us at (02) 8880 9257 today!
References:
Strategies to manage patients with dental anxiety and dental phobia: a literature review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790493/
Management of choking in the dental practice.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-019-0150-2?proof=t
Types of Anesthesia.
https://www.cvmc.org/departments-programs/anesthesiology/types-anesthesia
What is the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry?
https://www.summitfacial.com/cosmetic-and-restorative-dentistry/
Patient safety and dentistry: what do we need to know? Fundamentals of patient safety, the safety culture, and implementation of patient safety measures in dental practice.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653920332962
