Study Finds High-Volume Evacuation and Yankauer Suction Most Effective in Reducing Oxygen Buildup During Dental Procedures

GLEN ALLEN, Va., Sept. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- A new study published in Anesthesia Progress has evaluated the effectiveness of common dental suction devices in reducing oxygen buildup in the oral cavity during procedures involving supplemental oxygen. The research, conducted by a team from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Riley Hospital for Children, as well as the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, aimed to identify the most effective method to prevent surgical fires, which can occur when oxygen levels are too high.

The study utilized a laboratory model to simulate a 10-year-old child's oral cavity. Supplemental oxygen was delivered at a rate of 5 liters per minute through a nasal cannula. Three types of suction devices, high-volume evacuation (HVE), Yankauer suction (YS), and a saliva ejector (SE), were compared to determine their ability to reduce oxygen concentrations. The findings indicated that HVE and YS were significantly more effective than the saliva ejector in reducing oxygen levels.

Within 45 seconds of using HVE or YS, oxygen concentrations dropped below 30%, bringing them close to normal atmospheric levels. In contrast, the saliva ejector failed to reduce oxygen levels below 30%. Without any suction, oxygen concentrations rose to nearly 90% within about 20 to 25 seconds, highlighting the critical importance of managing oxygen buildup during dental procedures involving supplemental oxygen.

Lead author Elizabeth Asdell, DDS, MSD, and her colleagues concluded that the use of intraoral suctioning before dental procedures is essential to reduce oxygen pooling.

The study's results suggest that dental professionals should prioritize the use of HVE and YS to minimize the risk of surgical fires during procedures involving supplemental oxygen. Asdell and her team emphasized the need for additional clinical research to confirm the findings across different patient ages and treatment settings.

The researchers noted that maintaining oxygen concentrations at safe levels is crucial during dental procedures that require supplemental oxygen. Excess oxygen can create an environment that increases the risk of combustion, especially when an ignition source is present. The findings underscore the importance of using appropriate suction devices to ensure patient safety during such procedures.

In summary, the study provides valuable insights into the role of suction devices in reducing the risk of surgical fires during dental procedures involving supplemental oxygen. The results support the use of HVE and YS over the saliva ejector, and they highlight the need for further research to validate these findings in diverse clinical settings.