by Dr Hess Kim, Avenue Dental, Kawana, QLD
by Dr Hess Kim, Avenue Dental, Kawana, QLDIsovac is a suction device that isolates, removes fluids and also has a bite block. It connects to the high-speed evacuation. Isovac is a great alternative when you can’t use a rubber dam or if the patient can’t cope with a dam in their mouth.
What’s good about it
Not only does Isovac keep the mouth open and effectively remove liquid but it also has a shield for the tongue and cheek. The quadrant or half of the mouth where you’re working is completely isolated from humidity and from general saliva, blood and water.
When doing restorative work, the gold standard for isolation is a rubber dam. However, there are numerous occasions when a dam can’t be used and cotton rolls and cheek pads are a poor alternative. Isovac is a fantastic substitute.
It’s a great tool to have on hand because you can switch over if a patient is not tolerating a rubber dam. It allows you to bond in all your restorative dentistry with much more confidence and less stress. The suction unit is pretty much set and forget. This allows the nurses to focus on their other jobs without constantly having to suction chair-side.
Isovac comes in small, medium and large. They work very well with children, particularly when doing multiple restorations. It lets all patients relax without having to hold their mouth open all the time.
What’s not so good
They are relatively expensive to purchase and can’t be autoclaved. As each head is single use, it’s a cost added to each appointment. Another problem is that they are simply not suitable for all patients. Some people just can’t cope with the Isovac in their mouth.
