Patent ID: 12226273

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number10identifies a disposable dental aerosol device for use with a dental system (not shown) constructed according to the present disclosure. With reference now toFIG.1, the device10comprises a body12having a tip receiving end14, a valve receiving end16, a funnel18, a first aerosol capturing port20, and a second aerosol capturing port22. Although the pair of ports20and22are shown, it is also possible and contemplated to have one port or more than a pair of ports. The tip receiving end14is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector). The funnel18flares outwardly from the body12and is wider than the body12to capture aerosol. The valve receiving end16is adapted to receive a dental valve (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also not shown) which is used to dispose of any aerosol, saliva, liquid, or debris removed from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The device10is constructed of material that allows the device10to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The valve receiving end16also has a circular stop24which may be used to position the device10within a dental valve. Although the funnel18is shown being circular at the tip receiving end14, it is to be understood that the funnel18may be various other shapes such as rectangular, oval, triangular, or segmented. In any configuration the funnel18is flared outwardly and is wider than the body12to be able to capture aerosol. As should be appreciated, the device10is used with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction through an evacuator tip device, the device10, and a hose so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device10and an evacuator tip device is removed through the device10and an evacuator tip device, a dental valve, and a hose when a movable valve sealing body associated with a dental valve is in an open state or a partially open state.

With reference now toFIG.2, a front view of the disposable dental aerosol device10is illustrated. The device10comprises the body12having the tip receiving end14, the valve receiving end16, the funnel18, the first aerosol capturing port20, and the second aerosol capturing portion22. The body12also has a central lumen26formed between the tip receiving end14and the valve receiving end16. The first aerosol capturing port20has a first aerosol capturing port lumen28. The second aerosol capturing port22has a second aerosol capturing port lumen30.

FIG.3depicts a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental aerosol device10. The device10comprises the body12having the tip receiving end14, the valve receiving end16, the funnel18, the first aerosol capturing port20, and the second aerosol capturing portion22. The body12also has a central lumen26formed between the tip receiving end14and the valve receiving end16. The first aerosol capturing port20has the first aerosol capturing port lumen28that extends from a first port entrance opening32formed in the funnel18to a first port exit opening34formed in the central lumen26. The second aerosol capturing port22has the second aerosol capturing port lumen30that extends from a second port entrance opening36formed in the funnel18to a second port exit opening38formed in the central lumen26. As can be appreciated, aerosol is suctioned through the funnel18through either the port entrance openings32or36through either the lumen28or30out either the port exit openings34or38into the central lumen26. As will be discussed in further detail herein, a tip may be inserted into the central lumen26. However, the tip is not long enough to interfere or block the exit openings34or38so that aerosol may flow into the central lumen26and out the valve receiving end16.

With reference now toFIG.4, the disposable dental aerosol device10is shown being inserted into a dental valve device50. Although not shown, as is known, the dental valve device50may be connected to a tailpiece which is connected to a tubing or hose which is connected to a suction system within a dental facility. The suction system is used to provide suction to the dental valve50and to dispose of any material, such as fluids and solids, that are suctioned into the dental valve50, the tailpiece, and the tubing. A tip52, such as an evacuator tip device or straw such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector), is inserted into the tip receiving end14of the device10. In this manner, aerosol (not shown) may be captured by the funnel18to be suctioned through the device10and the dental valve50into the suction system for disposal. Also, the funnel18is shown to be flared outwardly from the dental valve50and the funnel18is wider than the dental valve50to be able to capture aerosol that is suctioned into the device10. Once a dental procedure is completed, the disposable dental aerosol device10, the dental valve50, and the tip52may be discarded.

FIG.5shows another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device100constructed according to the present disclosure which provides for being able to adjust suction or vacuum during use. The device100comprises a body102having a tip receiving end104, a valve receiving end106, a funnel108, a first aerosol capturing port110, and a second aerosol capturing portion112. Although the pair of ports110and112are shown, it is also possible and contemplated to have one port or more than a pair of ports. The tip receiving end104is adapted to receive a tip114such as an evacuator tip device or straw such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector). The funnel108flares outwardly from the body102and is wider than the body102to capture aerosol. The valve receiving end106is adapted to receive a dental valve116which is connected to a suction system (not shown) which is used to dispose of any aerosol, saliva, liquid, or debris removed from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The device100is constructed of material that allows the device100to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The valve receiving end106also has a circular stop118which may be used to position the device10within a dental valve. Although the funnel108is shown being circular at the tip receiving end104, it is to be understood that the funnel108may be various other shapes such as rectangular, oval, triangular, or segmented. In any configuration the funnel108is flared outwardly and is wider than the body102and the dental valve116to be able to capture aerosol. As should be appreciated, the device100is used with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction through the tip114, the device100, and the dental valve116so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device100is removed through the device100when a movable valve sealing body associated with the dental valve116is in an open state or a partially open state.

The body102has a central lumen118formed between the tip receiving end104and the valve receiving end106. The central lumen118is used to receive the tip114. The first aerosol capturing port110has a first aerosol capturing port lumen120that extends from a first port entrance opening122formed in the funnel108to a first port exit opening124formed in the valve receiving end106. The second aerosol capturing port112has a second aerosol capturing port lumen126that extends from a second port entrance opening128formed in the funnel108to a second port exit opening130formed in the valve receiving end106. As can be appreciated, aerosol is suctioned through the funnel108through either the port entrance openings122or128through either the lumen120or126out either the port exit openings124or130into the dental valve116. The device100is adjustable within the dental valve116. In particular, the dental valve116has a circular ledge132which the valve receiving end106may abut. When the valve receiving end106is adjacent to the ledge132, any suction being generated by the suction system is restricted or reduced. The device100may be moved within the dental valve device116to move the valve receiving end106away from the ledge132to increase suction. In this manner, the device100is adjustable and capable of increasing or decreasing suction. Once a dental procedure is completed, the disposable dental aerosol device100, the tip114, and the dental valve116may be discarded.

With particular reference now toFIG.6, another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device200is illustrated. The disposable dental aerosol device200comprises a body202having a front end204, a rear end206, a funnel208, and an aerosol capturing port210. Although one port210is shown, it is also possible to have more than the one port210. The body202is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) through the body202. The tip device is similar to currently available tip devices with the exception of having a hole or an aperture formed in a side of the tip device, as will be explained further herein. The funnel208flares outwardly from the body202and is wider than the body202to capture aerosol. The device200is constructed of material that allows the device200to be disposable and suitable for one time use. Although the funnel208is shown being circular at the front end204, it is to be understood that the funnel208may be various other shapes such as rectangular, oval, triangular, or segmented. In any configuration the funnel208is flared outwardly and is wider than the body202to be able to capture aerosol. As should be appreciated, the device200is used with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device200is removed through the device200.

FIG.7shows a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device200being inserted on a tip220. The tip220has an aperture222formed in a side224of the tip220. The aperture222is shown in phantom since the body202is covering the tip220. Although the aperture222is shown, it is also possible that the aperture222may take on various other configurations such as a slot, a rectangle, an oval, or any other sized and shaped opening that can be selectively covered and uncovered. The aerosol capturing port210is also shown in phantom. The aerosol capturing port210is used to selectively cover and uncover the aperture222to be able to adjust suction. For example, when aerosol is not present, the device200may be adjusted or twisted so that the aerosol capturing port210is not inline with the aperture222. In this event, the aperture222is covered by the body202. However, when suction is needed because aerosol is present or being generated, the aerosol capturing port210may be moved to be in alignment with the aperture222so that aerosol may flow through the aerosol capturing port210and the aperture222.

Referring toFIG.8, a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental aerosol device200and the tip220are illustrated. The tip220has the aperture222formed in the side224of the tip220. The aperture222is shown being partially covered by the body202of the device200. The aerosol capturing port210is partially over the aperture222. The aerosol capturing port210is used to selectively cover and uncover the aperture222to be able to adjust suction.

FIG.9depicts another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device300constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposable aerosol device300comprises a body302having a front end304, a rear end306, and an aerosol capturing port308. Although one port308is shown, it is also possible to have more than the one port308. The body302is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown), such as the tip220(FIG.7), such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) through the body302. One difference between the device200and the device300is that there is no funnel at the front end304of the device300. The port308is used to capture aerosol. The device300is constructed of material that allows the device300to be disposable and suitable for one time use. As should be appreciated, the device300is used with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device300is removed through the tip220(FIG.7) when the device300is installed over the tip220. Further, suction may be adjusted by turning or twisting the port308relative to the aperture222(FIG.7).

With particular reference now toFIG.10, another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device400constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposable aerosol device400comprises a body402having a front end404, a rear end406, and a first aerosol capturing port408, a second aerosol capturing port410, a third aerosol capturing port412, and a fourth aerosol capturing port414. The body402is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown), such as the tip220(FIG.7), such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) through a lumen416formed in the body402. One difference between the device200and the device400is that there is no funnel at the front end404of the device400. The ports408,410,412, and414are used to capture aerosol. The device400is constructed of material that allows the device400to be disposable and suitable for one time use. As should be appreciated, the device400is used with a suction system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device400is removed through the tip220(FIG.7) when the device400is installed over the tip220. Further, suction may be adjusted by turning or twisting the ports408,410,412, and414relative to the aperture222(FIG.7). As can be appreciated, the tip220may be constructed having four apertures and the ports408,410,412, and414, may be used to cover or uncover the apertures to adjust suction and aerosol captured by the device400.

FIG.11illustrates another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device500constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposable aerosol device500comprises a body502having a front end or tip receiving end504, a rear end or valve receiving end506, a first vane or fin508, a second vane or fin510, a third vane or fin512, and a fourth vane or fin514. The vanes508,510,512, and514extend from the front end504to the rear end506. Although the four vanes508,510,512, and514are shown and described, it is to be understood that less or more vanes may be employed. The body502has a lumen516formed therein with the lumen516adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown), such as the tip220(FIG.7), such as a high volume evacuator tip or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) tip. Each of the vanes508,510,512, and514may have a series of saw toothed ridges518along a length520of each of the vanes508,510,512, and514. The ridges518are used to secure the device500within a valve (not shown), as will be discussed in detail further herein. The lumen516has an interior surface522having a number of ridges524. The ridges524are used to secure a tip device or straw therein. A first aerosol capturing port526is formed between the first vane508and the second vane510. A second aerosol capturing channel528is formed between the second vane510and the third vane512. A third aerosol capturing channel530is formed between the third vane512and the fourth vane514. A fourth aerosol capturing channel532is formed between the fourth vane514and the first vane508. The aerosol capturing channels526,538,530, and532are formed along an exterior surface534of the body502of the device500. Aerosol (not shown) may flow through the aerosol capturing channels526,528,530, and532. The device500is constructed of material that allows the device500to be disposable and suitable for one time use. As should be now recognized, the device500is used with a suction or vacuum system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device500is removed through the aerosol capturing channels526,528,530, and532.

With reference now toFIG.12, the aerosol capturing device500is shown being installed in a dental valve550. The dental valve550has a tip receiving end552in which the device500is inserted. The vanes508,510,512, and514are shown at the front end504of the device500. The first aerosol capturing channel526is formed between the first vane508and the second vane510. The second aerosol capturing channel528is formed between the second vane510and the third vane512. The third aerosol capturing channel530is formed between the third vane512and the fourth vane514. The fourth aerosol capturing channel532is formed between the fourth vane514and the first vane508. The aerosol capturing channels526,528,530, and532form channels or passages through which aerosol may pass from the tip receiving end552into the dental valve550to be disposed of through a vacuum system (not shown). The series of saw toothed ridges518along the third vane512is shown gripping an interior surface554of the dental valve550. The ridges518are used to secure the device500within the valve550. The lumen516has the interior surface522having the number of ridges524that are used to secure a tip or straw. With a tip or straw inserted into the lumen516through the front end504, the device500is capable of capturing aerosol during a dental procedure at the same time the tip or straw is functioning to remove saliva or other matter. In essence, the device500acts as an insert that allows aerosol to be captured without inhibiting the functioning of a tip or straw inserted into the device500. Also, it is possible and contemplated that the device500may be incorporated into the dental valve550and provided as a unitary construction.

FIG.13depicts another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device600constructed according to the present disclosure. The disposable aerosol device600comprises a body602having a front end or tip receiving end604, a rear end or valve receiving end606, a first aerosol capturing opening608, a first aerosol lumen or channel610, a second aerosol capturing opening612, and a second aerosol lumen or channel614. Although the pair of openings608and612and lumens610and614are shown, it is also possible and contemplated to have more or less openings and lumens. In particular, in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.13, there are four openings and lumens. The front end or tip receiving end604is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector). The device600is shown being inserted into a tip receiving end616of a dental valve618. The device600has a lumen620formed between the front end604and the rear end606. The lumen620allows a tip device or straw to be inserted therein. The lumen620may have a number of ridges622along an interior surface624of the device600. The ridges622are used to secure a tip device or straw therein. The dental valve618has an interior surface626and a lumen628. The device600also has an exterior surface630having a series of saw toothed ridges632along the exterior surface630. The ridges632are used to secure the device600within the interior surface626of the dental valve618. Although not shown, each lumen610and614has an exit opening at the rear end606of the device600. Also, the device600may have a circular opening634to capture and direct aerosol toward the openings608and612. Aerosol (not shown) may flow through the aerosol capturing openings608and612through the lumens610and614, respectively, and out the exit openings into the lumen628of the dental valve618. The device600is constructed of material that allows the device600to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The device600is used with a suction or vacuum system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device600is captured by the aerosol capturing openings608and612to be directed to the lumen628of the dental valve618to be disposed of by the suction system.

Referring now toFIG.14, another embodiment of a disposable aerosol capturing device700is illustrated. The device700comprises a body702having a front end or tip receiving end704, a rear end or valve receiving end706, a first vane or fin708, a second vane or fin710, and a third vane or fin712. The vanes708,710, and712extend from the front end704to the rear end706. Although three vanes708,710, and712are shown and described, it is to be understood that less or more vanes may be employed. The body702has a lumen714formed therein with the lumen714adapted to receive an evacuator tip device or straw716. The device716may be a high volume evacuator tip or a low volume evacuator (saliva ejector) tip. A first aerosol capturing channel718is formed between the first vane708and the second vane710. A second aerosol capturing channel720is formed between the second vane710and the third vane712. The device700is inserted into a tip receiving end722of a dental valve724. The dental valve724has a lumen726through which aerosol (not shown) may be captured, directed, and flow. Aerosol (not shown) may flow through the aerosol capturing channels718and720. The device700is constructed of material that allows the device700to be disposable and suitable for one time use. As should be now recognized, the device700is used with a suction or vacuum system (not shown) which provides suction so that any aerosol, debris, liquid, or saliva that is introduced into the device700is removed through the aerosol capturing channels718and720. Again, although two aerosol capturing channels are depicted, one or less channels may be formed in the device700.

With particular reference now toFIG.15, another embodiment of a disposable aerosol capturing device800is shown. The disposable aerosol capturing device800is inserted onto a collar802of an exterior surface804of a dental valve806. The device800has an interior surface808having a circular indentation810that is sized to receive the collar802therein. The device800has a rear end or valve receiving end812that extends past the collar802. In essence, the device800is capable of snapping into place around the collar802. Although not shown in detail, the device800may be configured similar to the devices500,600, or700with the rear end812being capable of fitting around the collar802of the dental valve806. The device800has a lumen814that is capable of receiving a tip device or straw (not shown).

FIG.16illustrates a further embodiment of a disposable aerosol capturing device850. The device850is the device500having a tip device or straw852formed as a unitary construction. The straw852is adapted to be inserted into a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure to remove saliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris or fluids. The device500, as has been discussed, is used to remove aerosol generated during the dental procedure. The device500and the straw852may be molded together or may be two separate pieces that are connected together by various means, such as, by way of example only, welding, adhesive, or frictional engagement. The other devices10,100,200,300,400,600,700, and800may also be constructed in the same manner as the device850. The device850may easily be inserted into a dental valve, such as the dental valve618, for use in capturing saliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris or fluids and aerosol during a dental operation.

With particular reference now toFIG.17, another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device900is depicted. The disposable dental aerosol device900comprises a body902having a front end904and a rear end or valve receiving end906. The front end904has an opening908that is used to suction aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The body902has a first pressure relief opening910and a second pressure relief opening912. The openings910and912are used to prevent the opening908from becoming locked on or sucked to an interior surface of a mouth, such as a cheek. The opening910is adjacent to the opening908in the front end904and the opening912is adjacent to the opening910. It is further contemplated that the openings910and912may be side to side and both of the openings910and912will be adjacent to the opening908. Although a pair of openings910and912are shown, it is possible that a single opening will be acceptable or more than two openings may be required. The openings910and912are shown having the same diameters. However, the diameters may not have to be the same. A lumen914is formed from the opening908in the front end904to an opening916in the rear end906. Further, the openings910and912are smaller in diameter than the opening908. Due to the force of vacuum, any aerosol, saliva, debris, or matter will be suctioned from the opening908through the lumen914and out the opening916into a dental valve (not shown). In essence, the flow of material through the lumen914is sufficient that nothing flows out of the openings910and912. The rear end906has a number of barbed elements918that extend away from an exterior surface920of the rear end906. The barbs918are used to secure the device900within a dental valve, as will be explained in detail further herein.

FIG.18shows a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device900. The device900is shown having the body902, the front end904, the rear end906, the opening908, the relief openings910and912, the opening916, the barbs918, and the exterior surface920. The front end904may have a slanted or angled surface922that permits the device900to be used in a mouth of a patient to remove aerosol generated during a dental procedure. Further, the opening908is wide enough to capture aerosol.

Referring now toFIG.19, the disposable dental aerosol device900is shown being inserted into a dental valve924. As can be appreciated, the barbs918are used to engage by friction within the valve924to secure the device900in place. The body902, the front end904, the opening908, and the relief openings910and912are also depicted in this particular view.

FIG.20illustrates another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device950. The disposable dental aerosol device950comprises a body952having a front end954and a rear end or valve receiving end956. The front end954has an opening958that is used to suction aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The body952has a first pressure relief opening960and a second pressure relief opening962. The openings960and962are used to prevent the opening958from becoming locked on or sucked to an interior surface of a mouth, such as a cheek. The opening960is adjacent to the opening958in the front end954and the opening962is adjacent to the opening960. It is further contemplated that the openings960and962may be side to side and both of the openings960and962will be adjacent to the opening958. Although a pair of openings960and962are shown, it is possible that a single opening will be acceptable or more than two openings may be required. The openings960and962are shown having the same diameters. However, the diameters may not have to be the same. A lumen964is formed from the opening958in the front end954to an opening926in the rear end956. Further, the openings960and962are smaller in diameter than the opening958. Due to the force of vacuum, any aerosol, saliva, debris, or matter will be suctioned from the opening958through the lumen964and out the opening966into a dental valve (not shown). In essence, the flow of material through the lumen964is sufficient that nothing flows out of the openings960and962. The rear end956and the opening966are wide enough to receive therein a dental valve (not shown).

Referring now toFIG.21, a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device950is illustrated. The device950is shown having the body952, the front end954, the rear end956, the opening958, the relief openings960and962, and the opening966. The front end954may have a slanted or angled surface968that permits the device950to be used in a mouth of a patient to remove aerosol generated during a dental procedure. Further, the opening958is wide enough to capture aerosol.

FIG.22shows the disposable dental aerosol device950having a dental valve970being inserted into the opening966in the rear end956. As can be appreciated, the opening966is wide enough to be used to engage by friction the valve970within the device950to secure the device950in place. The body952, the front end954, the opening958, and the relief openings960and962are also shown in this particular view.

Referring now in particular toFIG.23, another embodiment of a disposable dental aerosol device1000is illustrated. The disposable dental aerosol device1000comprises a body1002having a front end1004and a rear end or valve receiving end1006. The front end1004has an opening1008that is used to suction aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The opening1008is also wide enough to capture aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The front end1004also has a cheek retraction lip or a retraction lip portion1010that is used for retracting or moving a cheek of a patient during a dental procedure. The body1002has a first pressure relief opening1012and a second pressure relief opening1014. The openings1012and1014are used to prevent the opening1008from becoming locked on or sucked to an interior surface of a mouth, such as a cheek. The opening1012is parallel to the opening1014and both of the openings1012and1014are adjacent to the opening1008in the front end1004. It is further contemplated that the openings1012and1014may be offset from each other. Although a pair of openings1012and1014are shown, it is possible that a single opening will be acceptable or more than two openings may be required. The openings1012and1014are shown having a generally triangular shape or configuration. However, other shapes or configurations are possible such as, by way of example only, circular, oval, or rectangular. A lumen1016is formed from the opening1008in the front end1004to an opening1018in the rear end1006. Further, the openings1012and1014are smaller in dimensions than the opening1008. Due to the force of vacuum, any aerosol, saliva, debris, or matter will be suctioned from the opening1008through the lumen1016and out the opening1018into a dental valve (not shown). In essence, the flow of material through the lumen1016is sufficient that nothing flows out of the openings1012and1014. The rear end1006has a number of barbed elements1020that extend away from an exterior surface1022of the rear end1006. The barbs1020are used to secure the device1000within a dental valve, as will be explained in detail further herein. The device1000also has a tapered reinforcing rib1024that extends between the pressure relief openings1012and1014along an exterior surface1026of the body1002. The device1000further has a stop1028that is adapted to mate with a dental valve.

FIG.24shows a side view of the disposable dental aerosol device1000being connected to a dental valve1030. The dental valve1030is only partial illustrated. The device1000is shown having the body1002, the front end1004, the retraction lip1010, the pressure relief opening1014, the tapered rib1024, the exterior surface1026, and the stop1028. The lip1010has an angled portion or extension portion1032that extends below the exterior surface1026of the body1002. The angled portion1032permits the device1000to be inserted in a mouth of a patient to retract a cheek of a patient during a dental procedure to provide space for a dentist to operate. The angled portion1032is also long enough that the portion1032can retract and hold a cheek open during a procedure. The front end1004is used to remove aerosol generated during a dental procedure. The stop1028is adapted to be adjacent to the dental valve1030.

With reference toFIG.25, a front view of the device1000mated to the dental valve1030is shown. The device1000has the front end1004having the opening1008having the retraction lip portion1010that is used for retracting or moving a cheek of a patient during a dental procedure. The lumen1016is shown extending from the opening1008to the opening1018of the rear end1006. In this manner, any aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter that flows through the lumen1016is removed from a mouth of a patient. The tapered rib1024, the exterior surface1026, and the stop1028are also shown.

FIG.26depicts a cross-sectional view of the device1000connected to the dental valve1030. The disposable dental aerosol device1000comprises the body1002having the front end1004and the rear end or valve receiving end1006. The front end1004has the opening1008that is used to suction aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The opening1008is also wide enough to capture aerosol, saliva, debris, or other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure. The front end1004also has the cheek retraction lip or the retraction lip portion1010having the angled portion1032that are used for retracting or moving a cheek of a patient during a dental procedure. Only the first pressure relief opening1012is depicted in this particular view. The lumen1016is between the opening1008in the front end1004to the opening1018in the rear end1006. Due to the force of vacuum, any aerosol, saliva, debris, or matter will be suctioned from the opening1008through the lumen1016and out the opening1018into the dental valve1030. The rear end1006has the barbed elements1020that extend away from the exterior surface1022of the rear end1006. The barbs1020are used to secure the device1000within the dental valve1030. The device1000also has the tapered reinforcing rib1024that extends along the exterior surface1026of the body1002. The device1000further has the stop1028that is adapted to mate with a dental valve. An interior step1034may also be provided within the lumen1016to facilitate directing the flow of aerosol and other matter into the dental valve1030.

The disposable dental aerosol devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, paper, polyethylene, and high density polyethylene or any other suitable material that is disposable and recyclable. Any suitable plastic may be used to construct the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000so that the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000may withstand use in a dental operation or procedure. It is also possible and contemplated to incorporate an antimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or to provide a coating of an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to further prevent cross-contamination when using the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000. As can be appreciated, the antimicrobial agent may be incorporated into any of the components of the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000. It is further possible that the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000may be constructed as part of a dental valve. It is also contemplated that the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000may be constructed with a tip device or straw so that the devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000and the tip device or straw form a unitary construction, as is disclosed with respect to the device850. The devices10,100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,850,900,950, and1000may also be made with a dental valve and a tip device or straw to form a unitary construction of all of these products.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a disposable dental aerosol device which fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject disposable dental aerosol device are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by the claims which follow.