One of the most critical needs for any type of dental procedure is the ability to have suction available for high saliva ejectors (SEs) and high-volume evacuators, or HVEs. These two different systems are used to remove saliva, water, and debris from the patient’s mount during procedures.
The use of the SE and the HVE is really a matter of the amount of liquid that needs to be removed. Saliva ejectors are used for small to moderate amounts of saliva in the mouth, while the more powerful suction with the high-volume evacuators can remove chips and debris from drilling and tooth preparation practices as well as large volumes of rinse water used during the procedure.
Both require suction that is developed through the vacuum canister in the equipment. A decrease or loss of suction through the SE or HVE is not necessarily an issue with the canister, but it does indicate a potential problem in the system.
Troubleshooting Issues
The actual vacuum canister itself is made of a durable, rigid plastic ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material. It is resistant to corrosion or any type of damage under most conditions.
Typically damage to the canister is rare, but there is a risk of damage to the seal. This can occur if traps are not correctly cleaned and replaced on the system, and pieces of tooth material and chips get into the canister and damage the seal.
Other issues that can cause poor performance can include holes in the tubing, or problems with the handheld tool. In most cases, repair of the failed parts of the vacuum canister offers a cost effective option to a complete replacement.
