Editor's note: In an effort to keep you informed of products that can help dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dental Economics columnist Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, has authored a special multipart series. In each installment, he reviews a product that can assist you during this challenging time.
Ivory ReLeaf from Kulzer
Saliva: It's a necessary fluid that is essential for digestion and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Yet, saliva can be very annoying in the practice of dentistry—which we're more aware of now with concerns about infection control and aerosolization.
Suctioning of the saliva and water is generally the dental assistant’s job. However, most dental hygienists practice without the benefit of an assistant, so they are always juggling the saliva ejector for maximum removal of the salivary fluid and water used in their procedures.
Kulzer’s Ivory ReLeaf product is ideal for use by the hygienist and can certainly be very useful in most operative dental procedures. This clever system uses materials that are latex- and BPA-free. The intraoral parts of the product are soft, and patients comment on the comfortable “feel” of the leaf. Patients also appreciate the lack of excess fluid buildup that can sometimes cause them to choke or gag unexpectedly.
The green “leafs” are disposable, while the U-shaped connector and short hose are fully autoclavable. In less than one minute you can hook this up to your existing high-speed system and have 280° of suction, which is far more than a conventional saliva ejector—and much more comfortable for the patient.
Ivory’s ReLeaf system is available in various kit forms and can reduce patient chair time. One other great benefit is that you place Kulzer’s ReLeaf in the patient’s cheek area, so that it will not interfere with instruments or obscure your view of the patient’s mouth. Kulzer’s ReLeaf most definitely offers the relief needed to provide optimal patient care and comfort.
Howard Glazer, DDS, FAGD, is a columnist for Dental Economics. He is a key opinion leader in dental products and maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Dr. Glazer is past president of the Academy of General Dentistry. He lectures frequently on the subjects of dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry, and patient management.
Additional articles in this series
Editor's note: This article first appeared in the Morning Briefing, a daily newsletter published by Dental Economics, DentistryIQ, Perio-Implant Advisory, and RDH. Learn more and subscribe here. For full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, visit the DentistryIQ COVID-19 Resource Center.
