The unvarnished truth about contaminated suction systems – genuine insights and practical tips from the inventor and manufacturer Dürr Dental
As manufacturer, we at Dürr Dental regularly gain insight into the condition of the suction systems installed in practices. This is particularly true in cases of inadequate maintenance, as these systems will sooner or later require the assistance of our service team. To ensure that your suction system does not require such service, we can advise you on the most important things to consider.
When the first suction system for dental practices was invented in 1964, it soon became apparent that such a system could not be operated continuously without a suitable cleaning and disinfecting agent. This is because organic substances that inevitably enter the system during suction (e.g. blood, saliva and dentin) quickly lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi. While this is not visible to the naked eye, it quickly becomes noticeable in the form of an unpleasant odour. However, it's not just the smell that is unpleasant; above all, it poses a health risk to patients. This is why, in the 1960s, Dürr Dental invented not only the suction system, but also the first suction system disinfectant, Orotol.
The need for regular cleaning and disinfection has remained unchanged for the last sixty years. In fact, in addition to organic substances, the suction system is increasingly being challenged by other substances. These include prophylaxis powder and pearl products, in particular. To remove deposits of these materials from the system, an acidic cleaner is required in addition to a disinfectant. We therefore recommend using Orotol plus for daily disinfection and removal of organic deposits, and the special detergent MD 555 cleaner for removal of inorganic materials at least twice a week.
Remember: Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential for preventing infection and preserving the value of your suction system. Neglecting this can lead to deposits forming, which impair performance and, in the worst case, can cause the system to fail. Our video shows what can happen if cleaning and disinfection are not taken seriously, or if unsuitable agents are used. Watch a real service case example to see the unvarnished truth:
