A Shocking Way to Reduce Aerosol Contamination
Using Palmero’s Vacuum Shock and Vacuum Clean in tandem with HVEsolo Disposable Evacuation Tips is a great way to keep vacuum lines fresh while mitigating aerosols
For most of us, the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic came as a bit of a shock, to say the least. While ongoing precautions like mask wearing and 
social distancing are no longer surprising in our daily lives, sometimes, a shock can be a good thing. That’s certainly the case for Vacuum Shock and Vacuum Clean—Palmero’s 2-step evacuation system maintenance kit that makes it easy to keep your vacuum lines clean, as well as your high-volume evacuator (HVE) and saliva ejector running smoothly.
“If you do not maintain your evacuation lines, they risk clogging, and the last thing a clinician wants during a patient treatment is a breakdown of the suction system,” noted Dr. Sheri B. Doniger, a frequent speaker on dental industry topics like infection control. “There are many benefits to using the eco-friendly Vacuum Shock and Vacuum Clean. The system maintains the lines without damaging the environment or equipment and is simple to use. It is also time-saving, cost-effective, and it eliminates odor from biofilm buildup in the lines.”
Designed to be used on a monthly basis, Vacuum Shock breaks up accumulated debris in evacuation lines, while Vacuum Clean should be used weekly to maintain clean lines, restore pressure, and extend the life of your pump. The self-activating tablet releases powerful cleaning agents throughout the week to keep vacuum lines fresh and functioning at peak efficiency.“
It kept the trap clean for a week, so that we don’t need to change it each day,” noted Barton Barre, DDS, who took part in the DPSproduct review of Vacuum Shock and Vacuum Clean. Other evaluators appreciated the kit’s ease of use right out of the box, as well as its ability to immediately improve vacuum line suction—even after just one use.
An Ergonomic Solution for Aerosol Reduction
Once your vacuum line equipment is running smoothly, devices like HVEsolo Disposable Evacuation Tips help ensure aerosols are efficiently removed from the oral cavity, especially when dental professionals need to use power instrumentation like ultrasonic scalers, air polishers, or high-speed handpieces without an assistant.
“I love the funnel design of the tip as it prevents tissue from getting sucked into the HVE, while allowing for greater aerosol capture,” shared Jessica Raymond-Albritten, CRDH. “The tips are light and easy to use due to their short length and are very diverse in application due to their design.”
HVEsolo’s lightweight design and short, 2.5-inch shaft allow for easy fluid and debris evacuation, even when dental professionals can only spare their nondominant hand. Additionally, less tension and drag from the hose ensures the wrist can stay in a more neutral position.
“I really like the design concept of this suction tip. The funnel shape is perfect for encompassing multiple teeth at once,” added hygienist Stacey Abbatessa. HVEsolo’s smooth, rounded edges gently retract the lips and cheek to protect soft tissues, while a
wide scoop tip design maximizes suction to efficiently clear the field of fluid and debris. “I have less cheek and tongue suction using this product, which I’m sure my patients appreciate,” said Dawn Hines, RDH. “It’s a game-changer for the hygienist who needs HVE but doesn’t have an assistant available.”
Even before the pandemic, HVEs offered the best solution for controlling aerosol particles before they leave the patient’s mouth. “When you attach the HVEsolo to an efficient evacuation system, it will remove a large volume of air—up to 100 cubic feet per minute,” said Dr. Doniger. “It is a highly effective and ergonomic way to decrease aerosols by 90%.
