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Air-water syringe tip
Also called: three-way syringe, A/W syringe, triplex syringe
The handheld nozzle that sprays air, water or a mist to rinse and dry teeth.
The air-water syringe has two buttons: one for air, one for water, and both together for a spray. It rinses, dries and clears the mirror. The tip is the removable nozzle on the end. See the machines section for the unit's waterlines.
How to spot it
- A handle with two buttons and a thin bent metal or plastic tip.
What it is used for
- Rinsing and drying teeth; drying an area before sealants or bonding.
- Blow air gently on the mirror to keep it clear during handpiece work.
Safety and care
- Single-use (disposable) item: use it on one patient, then throw it away. Never clean and reuse it. (Reusable metal tips are cleaned and heat-sterilized.)
- Never point a stream of air into an open socket or open wound.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)