High-Volume Evacuation (HVE) is a standard piece of modern dental equipment used to manage moisture and debris within the patient’s mouth during various procedures. This tool maintains a clear working environment for the dental team. Its purpose is to quickly remove large quantities of fluid and particulate matter that accumulate during active treatment. This powerful suction system is integrated into nearly every dental operatory, allowing for a more efficient and safer experience for the patient and the practitioner.
What High-Volume Evacuation Is
High-Volume Evacuation, or HVE, is a powerful suction device designed to rapidly remove fluids and solids from the oral cavity. The system consists of a motorized suction unit connected to a hose with a specialized tip. The HVE tip has a much wider diameter, typically 8 millimeters or greater, which allows it to handle a greater volume of material at a faster rate.
HVE differs significantly from the standard low-volume saliva ejector. The saliva ejector, often a small, flexible straw-like tube, is primarily used for continuously removing saliva during less-invasive procedures. In contrast, the HVE system provides a continuous, forceful vacuum capable of removing saliva, water, blood, and larger debris like tooth fragments or old filling materials. HVE is designed for heavy-duty evacuation due to the high volume of air and fluid it can move.
How HVE Functions During Treatment
The primary purpose of HVE is to create and maintain a clean, dry field of operation, which is necessary for the success of many dental procedures. Many dental materials, such as those used for composite fillings, crowns, and sealants, require a moisture-free surface to bond properly to the tooth structure. If the working area remains wet, the restorative material may not adhere securely, potentially leading to a weakened restoration and failure.
A dental assistant or hygienist typically manages the HVE, positioning the wide-bore tip close to the site where the dentist is working. This placement ensures the immediate capture of the water spray from high-speed instruments, like drills and ultrasonic scalers. By continuously removing fluids and solids, HVE improves the practitioner’s visibility and allows for more precise work. Clearing the field increases the overall efficiency of the procedure, leading to shorter treatment times and increased patient comfort by reducing the need for constant spitting or rinsing.
HVE’s Role in Infection Control
HVE’s ability to capture airborne contaminants is an important aspect of infection control in the dental office. Many dental instruments, particularly those that use a high-speed rotating bur or ultrasonic vibration, create a fine mist known as dental aerosols. These aerosols are tiny, airborne particles of water, saliva, blood, and microorganisms propelled into the air during treatment.
The powerful suction and wide opening of the HVE capture these aerosols and splatter directly at the source, preventing them from spreading throughout the operatory. Studies have shown that when used correctly, HVE can reduce the presence of airborne contaminants by up to 90%. By minimizing the release of these particles, HVE protects both the patient and the dental team from inhaling potentially infectious material. This function provides a physical control measure that reduces the risk of transmission for various respiratory pathogens.