For us hygienists, there are two common procedures that we do which require excellent evacuation and/or isolation. They are ultrasonic scaling and placing sealants. The standard saliva ejector is just not up to the task, but fortunately, there are many better alternatives currently on the market. The products listed below are organized into three groups. One, products I have used and recommend. Two, products I have used and don’t recommend. And three, products I haven’t used, but look promising.
Recommended
Autoclavable suction mirrors. I’ve been using these for years. Love them.
Mr. Thirsty. Good performance and low initial cost. Only one size mouthpiece available.
Hygoformic saliva ejector in combination with the Blue Boa tubing.
Isolite mouthpiece. Excellent performance. Makes placing sealants enjoyable.
- Izolation. Good performance. Mouthpieces reasonably priced.
M.A.S.S. HVE Tip. I use these when scaling heavy calculus. It suctions heavy chunks of calculus very well and it’s designed to allow the patient to close down on it to suction just like a saliva ejector. It makes debriding heavy calculus very efficient.
Not Recommended
Fast Dams. Poor performance. Suction holes get blocked easily and tongue gets past retractor.
SweFlex saliva ejector. Performance mediocre at best. Doesn’t stay in place well.
eBite Plus. Poor performance. Over priced.
Look promising
DryShield
SE Foam Cushions.
Mark Frias, RDH