Dental Support

In dentistry, an air water syringe is a crucial tool used for various purposes during dental procedures. It typically consists of a hand-held device with two buttons or triggers—one for dispensing a stream of air and the other for dispensing a stream of water. The primary functions of air water syringes are cleaning and rinsing, cooling, isolation, and soft tissue management.

Using the air-water syringe effectively and safely in dentistry involves following specific guidelines to ensure proper hygiene, patient comfort, and optimal clinical outcomes. Before using the air-water syringe on a patient, purge the lines to clear any residual water or debris from the previous use. Ensure a surface barrier (barrier film) is placed over the air water syringe. The air water syringe is classified as a semi-critical item by the CDC. As a semi-critical device, the air water syringe is required to be heat-sterilized between patients. After a treatment is completed, the air water syringe should be cleaned of organic and inorganic debris prior to being removed and heat-sterilized. Air water syringes that are not heat-tolerant should be replaced with heat-tolerant alternatives.

Prior to 2008, barrier films were accepted by the CDC to reduce the contamination of air water syringes. In today's dental office, the air water syringe should be removed and heat-sterilized after each patient following device instructions for use. When a treatment is completed, the decontamination steps for the air water syringe should follow the manufacturer's device sterilization instructions. To meet CDC guidelines, the first step is to clean the external surfaces of the air water syringe. Debris (organic or inorganic) can be removed from the air water syringe manually by scrubbing with a surfactant or detergent and water or by using automated equipment (washer-disinfector) and chemical agents. Use either a disposable wipe or equivalent (moist towelette). Dry with clean, dry, uncontaminated compressed air, inside and out, continuing until completely dry. Do not dry with hot air. After air water syringe is cleaned it is ready for the sterilization process. Take the air water syringe and place in a sterilization pouch or wrap for processing (Please see the air water syringe manufacturer's packaging IFU for proper processing). Air water syringe should remain in pouch/wrap even after sterilization, until utilized for next patient. Place pouch with air water syringe in sterilizer (B class) or using pre vacuum or steam flush pressure pulse (SFPP) at manufacturer's specified heat and time. Ensure the sterilizer is validated. For specific requirements, please refer to the sterilizer and packaging materials instructions for use. Sterilization monitoring should be performed routinely. Please see manufacturers recommendations for monitoring.

First let's start with a DCI air water syringe. The steps to remove the buttons are for a branded DCI air water syringe. If your air water syringe does not say DCI on the syringe head, you may have a private label air water syringe and these instructions will not apply. First, turn off the chair and hold the air and water buttons to remove all remaining water and pressure from the air water syringe. Next you will need to push the pin out of the air water syringe head. If you look on the side of the syringe head, you will see a small circle. That is the pin. Push that pin out to release the air and water buttons. Make sure to hold the buttons so that they do not shoot out. Remove the buttons and the springs. Add lubricant to the new button o-rings before inserting. Put new springs into button cavities (large end of spring down). Once springs are in button cavities, insert new buttons. Press down and hold buttons while inserting the pin back into the syringe head. Turn air and water back on and test buttons to ensure installation has been successfully completed. Fo Adec air water syringes, make sure you have a branded air water syringe. If you do not see the Adec logo, these instructions may not apply. First, turn off the air and water from the air water syringe. Press and hold the air water buttons to remove any remaining pressure and water. Next you will need to unscrew the central screw located on the head of the air water syringe between the air and water buttons. Pull the air and water buttons out. Put out the springs located in the air and water cavities. Replace old springs with new springs. Replace old buttons with new buttons. Screw in the central screw to lock buttons into place.

If you have an Adec or DCI air water syringe, the process will be the same. These directions are for non- autoclavable versions of the DCI and Adec. First, shut off the air and water to the the air water syringe. Press and hold the air button to release any remaining air pressure. Press and hold the water button to remove any water left in the air water syringe. Unscrew the base of the air water syringe counter-clockwise until it slides off of the syringe head. The air water syringe tubing is connected to the head of the air water syringe. Locate the water tubing and mark it with a pen/sharpie to identify that it is the water tube. Next, cut the air and water tubing off of the air water syringe head. Slide the air water syringe base off of the tubing. Grab your new air water syringe. Remove the base from the air water syringe head. Slide the base onto the air water tubing. Locate the marked water tubing and slide onto the water prong located on the head of the air water syringe. Next slide the air tubing on the air prong located on the air water syringe head. Grab a pair of pliers and push the tubing for both air and water onto the prongs to ensure a snug connection. Slide air water syringe base up and connect it to the head of the air water syringe by turning clockwise. Turn on air and water for the air water syringe. Test the air and water buttons to ensure you connected the tubing correctly.

Fixing a leaking air water syringe involves several steps to ensure it operates effectively and safely. First, check the syringe tip for cracks or damage, replacing it if necessary. Next, inspect the internal O-rings and seals for wear or debris, cleaning them and replacing any damaged parts with manufacturer-recommended replacements. Clean the syringe thoroughly with water and a mild detergent, then dry it completely before applying silicone-based lubricant to the O-rings and seals. Carefully reassemble the syringe, ensuring all connections are secure but not overly tightened. Finally, test the syringe by activating the air and water flow to check for leaks. If issues persist or you're uncertain about the repair process, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure the syringe functions properly in dental or medical settings.