Optimizing Clinical Outcomes Through Effective Suction and Isolation

In restorative dentistry, success often comes down to what happens before the handpiece ever touches the tooth. Maintaining a dry, visible, contamination-free working area is essential for achieving predictable clinical outcomes, improving efficiency, and enhancing patient comfort.  Standard methods for isolation, such as using a rubber dam, are effective in many situations, however there are occasions where alternatives may add to patient comfort and enhance ease of use.

In this blog, we’ll explore two notable alternatives to rubber dam isolation in operative and hygiene procedures: the DryShield and the ReLeaf.  We will highlight the benefits, limitations, and best-use scenarios for each. Whether you’re placing a simple composite restoration or tackling a complex multi-surface procedure, understanding the right isolation strategy can help elevate both clinical performance and patient experience. The DryShield by Solmetex (similar to the Isolyte) is an all-in-one dental isolation system that combines a high-suction evacuator, saliva ejector, bite block, tongue shield, and airway protector into a single device. It keeps the working field clear, dry, and highly visible during procedures

The DryShield by Solmetex (similar to the Isolyte) is an all-in-one dental isolation system that combines a high-suction evacuator, saliva ejector, bite block, tongue shield, and airway protector into a single device. It keeps the working field clear, dry, and highly visible during procedures.

The ReLeaf is a hands-free, high-volume evacuation (HVE) dental suction device that seamlessly connects to existing dental vacuum systems. It assists with fluid evacuation, cheek retraction, aerosol reduction, and maintaining a drier field. The device uses lightweight tubing and a smooth, flexible, leaf-shaped dry angle that slides into the cheek. The green leaf itself is disposable, while the tubing and connector are autoclaveable, reducing waste.

When evaluating the two options, the ReLeaf and the DryShield, both appear to have a suitable role in varying aspects in our practice. For most of our operative procedures, we generally prefer the Dry Shield for a few specific advantages.

• • It is highly effective for isolation, providing protection for surrounding structures such as the airway, tongue, and cheeks.

• • Its design allows for swift removal and replacement, especially in four-handed dentistry.

• • DryShield offers a higher suction level compared to the ReLeaf.

• • It is well-tolerated by the majority of patients and comes in various sizes for patient comfort.

• • There are options for both disposable or autoclavable mouthpieces.

At times when patients do struggle to tolerate the Dry Shield, we have found that four-handed dentistry with the use of dry angles and cotton rolls proves to be more efficient than using a ReLeaf suction.

• • While we prefer the DryShield for most operative procedures, we find that the ReLeaf is consistently preferred by our hygienists. Hygienists point to the following advantages of utilizing ReLeaf for their hygiene procedures:

• • More than 95% of our patients report that they find the ReLeaf comfortably tolerable.

• • The lightweight tubing allows for easy removal and adjustment to either side of the mouth, whereas the DryShield can be somewhat cumbersome by comparison.

• • The ReLeaf allows for easier communication between hygienist and patient. Even with the ReLeaf in the mouth, the patient is still able to speak to the hygienist and can close their mouth on the ReLeaf to facilitate quick saliva evacuation, functioning similarly to a slow speed suction. 

• • Another fantastic feature is that each disposable ReLeaf leaf costs just under $1. 

Both the ReLeaf and DryShield have valuable roles in our practice, so we encourage you to try them and see if one or both work for you. While the investment for the DryShield is more significant than the cost-effective ReLeaf, the Dryshield company does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee in order to try their product.

Minor adjustments in materials and equipment can significantly enhance practice flow, efficiency, team collaboration, patient comfort, and overall clinical quality. Take the time to test a product before making a long-term decision about what is best for your practice. We have evaluated and ranked these two products based on hygiene and operative effectiveness to aid you in your information-gathering process.

Regardless of what you select, maintaining a dry and visible workspace is imperative for clinical effectiveness, outcomes and patient comfort. Ensure that your entire team is adept at properly using, sterilizing and educating your patients about your isolation products to set yourself up for success!

PACT, a part of our Cost Management program, is very meaningful to our mission of supporting independent dentists. At the most basic level, it is an acronym that describes the categories of the rubric we’ve created to help independent dentists evaluate their materials, equipment and purchased services.

For materials and equipment, those categories are:
• P: Patient Comfort
• A: Affordability
• C: Clinical Effectiveness
• T: Time

Each category is ranked from 1 to 5. With 1 being poor and 5 being excellent, with each of these categories affecting how well or poorly the product is performing for you and your practice. We have gone through the rubric for each of the two products discussed here, both for use in the hygiene setting and in the doctor’s operatory.