
( Isolation, as used here, means to keep the area separate and dry.)Ĭotton rolls are available in a variety of sizes and are flexible, so they can be formed to fit an available space. If the dental dam is not an option, cotton roll isolation can be used as an alternative method to control moisture in the operative area. One method of ensuring dry conditions is the use of cotton rolls. However, when placing a composite or amalgam restoration or when cementing a cast restoration, a clean, dry environment is necessary. If the soft tissue is accidentally “sucked” into the tip, rotate the angle of the tip to break the suction, or quickly turn the vacuum control off to release the tissue.ĭuring tooth preparation, water is expressed from the high-speed handpiece to cool the tooth and remove debris. Keeping the tip at an angle of the soft tissue helps prevent this from happening. Improper or careless placement of the HVE can cause soft tissue to be accidentally “sucked” into the tip, and tissue damage could result. See Procedure 10-2: Positioning the High-Volume Evacuator (HVE) During a Procedure. ( A and C, From Schuster GM, Wetterhus GJ, Dryden P: Handbook of clinical dental assisting, Philadelphia, 1999, WB Saunders.) Many assistants alternate between positions, depending on the resistance of the tissue to retract and the area being treated.įigure 10-4 Placement of the high-volume evacuator (HVE) tip.
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Either method provides control of the tip, which is necessary for patient comfort and safety. The oral evacuator may be held in one of two ways: the thumb-to-nose grasp or the pen grasp ( Figure 10-3). If the incorrect end of the tip has been placed in the suction, do not turn it around it is now contaminated and must be replaced with a new tip.

When the HVE tip is placed into the handle of the suction unit, the tip is pushed into place through a plastic protective barrier, which will cover the HVE handle. For use in the posterior portion of the mouth, the bevel is slanted upward. The bevel is slanted downward for use in the anterior portion of the mouth. All types have two beveled working ends ( beveled meaning slanted). HVE tips are available straight or with a slight angle in the middle. (From Boyd LRB: Dental instruments: a pocket guide, ed 4, St Louis, 2012, Saunders.) To maintain its position in the mouth, bend it in the shape of a candy cane and place it under the tongue on the opposite side that you are working on.įigure 10-2 High-volume evacuator (HVE) tips. Placement of the saliva ejector is simple and comfortable for the patient. This small straw-like tube has the flexibility to conform to many areas in the mouth ( Figure 10-1). The saliva ejector is used to remove small amounts of saliva or water from the patient’s mouth. See Procedure 10-1: Performing a Mouth Rinse. A complete mouth rinse is always used to leave the patient with a comfortable and fresh feeling. The complete mouth rinse is performed at the completion of a dental procedure.

A limited-area rinse is commonly utilized when the dentist pauses for a closer inspection. This must be accomplished quickly and efficiently without causing any delay in the procedure. Limited-area rinsing is performed frequently throughout a procedure because debris can accumulate during preparation of the tooth. The two basic types of rinsing procedures used in dentistry are limited-area rinsing and complete mouth rinsing. This chapter describes several techniques and different applications that will help you determine what works best for the situation. The type of procedure and access to the area will determine what is the best type of isolation method to use. The tooth, surrounding tissue, and oral cavity can become a “catch all” for water, saliva, blood, and tooth fragments. One of the main responsibilities of the clinical assistant is to maintain moisture control throughout a procedure. 1 Pronounce, define, and spell the Key Terms.Ģ Describe moisture control techniques utilized in dental procedures.ģ Give the two types of oral evacuation systems used in dentistry.Ĥ List the benefits of using the dental dam for a procedure and the patient.
