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Dentistry vocabulary · Instruments and the Dental Clinic

Suction

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈsʌkʃən/nounCore term

In dentistry, suction means: Equipment that removes saliva, water and debris from the patient's mouth during treatment. High-volume suction also reduces spray and aerosol.

In Turkish: aspiratör, emici, aspirasyon

How it is used

The dental assistant holds or manages the suction. The two main types are the high-volume aspirator and the small saliva ejector. Dentists may ask for 'more suction, please' while cutting.

Example sentences

  1. Can you keep the suction a bit closer to the tongue?

  2. I'm just going to use the suction to dry things up.

Common collocations

  • high-volume suction
  • saliva ejector
  • hold the suction
  • suction tip
  • dental assistantA trained team member who works beside the dentist at the chair, passing instruments, handling the suction, mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and looking after patients.
  • handpieceThe hand-held tool that holds and spins a bur or polishing cup. High-speed handpieces cut enamel and old fillings; slow-speed ones remove soft decay and polish.
  • rubber damA thin sheet of latex or latex-free rubber stretched on a frame and held by a clamp, so that only the tooth being treated shows through a hole.
  • infection controlThe rules and practices a clinic follows to stop infections spreading between patients and staff, such as hand hygiene, gloves, masks, surface cleaning and instrument sterilization.

More terms: Instruments and the Dental Clinic

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.