How does patient “suck back” affect waterline contamination?
With most modern dental equipment the “suck back” phenomenon of patient fluids is not a factor. Though reports have documented oral flora from waterline bacteria, the studies from Waterclave waterline testing demonstrate zero growth over a minimum of 4-6 months. These tested facilities have maintained the continuous patient exposure of a normal dental practice and thus would not allow the 4 to 6 month duration between bacterial recoveries. If there is an oral flora contamination, the concern is toward the installer or manufacturer, occurring when an individual’s saliva wets the connectors during the dental unit repair, installation or factory assembly. This should be a request directed to the attention of all manufacturers and service techs.
