Christmas Closing Dates 2025
As we get closer to the festive period we would like to take a moment to update you on our Christmas closing schedule. Christmas Closing Dates Our final date for
3rd November 2025
Dental aspirator cleaning and maintenance is a vital task not only as part of infection control procedures but also to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, as well as extending the life of dental suction systems.
Biofilm and scale buildup in dental suction systems manifest through several highly noticeable signs right in the surgery.
If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, it is a clear sign of biofilm, scale, or debris buildup in your aspirator system:
Reduced Suction Power
This is the most common and disruptive issue, indicating a loss of vacuum efficiency.
The Saliva Ejector (LVE) or High-Volume Evacuator (HVE) has a noticeable reduction
in suction power.
Suction may be inconsistent or experience temporary drop-outs.
This loss of suction increases aerosol generation during procedures and leads to saliva pooling in the patient’s mouth, increasing chair time.
Spittoon Bowl
The spittoon starts to drain slowly when the filter is coated in biofilm or when hardened scale builds up in the drain pipe.
Even a small amount of buildup significantly reduces the pipe’s internal diameter, dramatically slowing drainage.
Residues can also be seen around in the spittoon itself.
Foul Odour
Smell is possibly the most noticeable sign. Have you noticed a persistent, unpleasant smell, especially when the system is first turned on in the morning?
Cause: This is the distinctive smell of decomposing organic matter (biofilm, blood, and protein) inside the warm, moist tubing.
Dirty Filters and Traps
If debris is not flowing out of the system, it stops at the first barrier. The chairside traps and filters may require constant cleaning to maintain flow.
The filters can also be covered in a sticky, brown/grey film rather than just dry solids.
Amalgam separator errors
Issues can also manifest in the amalgam separator. It may be collecting material faster than anticipated, or the unit may even show errors even after a new rotor has been inserted.
Dental amalgam is about 50% mercury by weight (other components include silver, zinc, copper, tin). Mercury is on the UK ‘red list’ of dangerous substances that represent the greatest threat to the aquatic environment.
Particles of waste amalgam become mixed with water during treatment, rinsing and cleaning. If particles are not separated out of waste-water, they will be carried into drains and sewers, eventually ending up in sludge at sewage treatment works and in effluent from those works. Most will lodge in pipes and drains along the way and may be released much later.
So, how does dental aspirator cleaning relate to mercury release? When a cleaner is used in a dental aspirator system, it comes into contact with the separated amalgams. Oxidising cleaners react with the solid amalgam particles, dissolving the mercury and allowing it to be released into the sewer system.
When choosing a dental aspirator cleaning system, consider one that is both clinically effective and environmentally safe.
The AlproJet system is specifically engineered to meet these demanding requirements without compromising regulatory compliance or equipment integrity.
So, how does dental aspirator cleaning relate to mercury release? When a cleaner is used in a dental aspirator system, it comes into contact with the separated amalgams. Oxidising cleaners react with the solid amalgam particles, dissolving the mercury and allowing it to be released into the sewer system.
The two-product system utilises alternating acid and alkaline solutions to ensure a superior clean that single cleaners cannot achieve:
Acidic solution – AlproJet-W: Specifically formulated to remove stubborn inorganic build-up, including hardened water scale, mineral deposits, and prophylaxis residue. Used twice a week.
Alkaline solution – AlproJet-DD. Used for daily maintenance to eliminate organic matter like blood, saliva, and proteins. Used 3 times a week with an excellent disinfectant effect, Certified by VAH (Association for Applied Hygiene) /DGHM (German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology), meets the DGHM requirements and EN standards for the disinfection of instruments
By alternating these solutions, you prevent all types of material build-up, which is essential for maximising suction performance, extending the lifespan of your vacuum system, and ensuring amalgam separator efficiency.
AlproJet has been clinically proven to maintain the integrity of amalgam particles, offering exceptional environmental safety.
No Mercury Release: AlproJet is aldehyde-free and does not contain oxidising agents; the AlproJet cleaner will not react with the solid amalgam trapped in your separator. This prevents the dissolution of mercury into its soluble, toxic form, ensuring that dangerous heavy metals remain captured for recycling and do not enter the public water system.
Proven Efficacy: AlproJet efficacy and non-reactive nature have been thoroughly tested. AlproJet was found to be comparable to, or exhibit results equivalent to, running plain water through the system.
The Alprojet System has been approved by Cattani, NSK, Morita, Sirona, and… every other manufacturer… why?
Alpro Medical has conducted extensive material testing with many aspiration systems to ensure that all users of separation systems or amalgam separation systems from any manufacturer can be assured that Alprojet will not cause any damage if applied according to the instructions for use issued by Alpro Medical.
Are you interested in trialing the AlproJet System in your practice? Get in touch and if selected you’ll get a free AlproJet starter set, worth over £100. Use the form below to request to join the trial.
Having issues with your suction system? Get in touch with our team for a free decontamination review.
Book Your Free Review →Completely free
As we get closer to the festive period we would like to take a moment to update you on our Christmas closing schedule. Christmas Closing Dates Our final date for
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