Whether we are talking about buying a dental unit, renovating or building a dental practice, it is important to know that any changes or additions made to such a space influence its appearance and dynamics. In today’s article we will discuss the installation of a dental unit. When we install such a device, we need to consider not only the dynamics and design of the space: it is important to know, broadly speaking, what it is all about, how to identify the connections of a unit, how to position a unit, etc.
How do we identify the connections of a unit?
- in the case of older models, the connections are under the block containing the spittoon
- in newer models, the connections are located under the patient’s seat
- there are also exceptions where the connections come at a greater distance from the unit and then a special connection box is fitted
To note:
For the most accurate positioning of where the pipes and cables for the unit will exit from the floor, remember to ask your supplier for the necessary information. 
Types of suction of a unit:
According to their frequency, below we classify the types of aspiration that can exist on a dental unit. Semi-wet Suction
- The most recommended method.
- Attention! Next to the vacuum pump there will need to be drains for draining the liquids after separation
Needs:
- Water – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” internal thread tap;
- Air – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” female threaded valve or 8″ pneumatic hose (6 ID, 8 OD) rated to 12 bar pressure;
- Vacuum pipe – 32″ diameter PVC sewer pipe that will connect the vacuum pump to the unit
- Current – grounded 2.5″ power cable;
- Pump control – 2-wire cable connecting the unit to the vacuum pump.
- Sewage – PVC sewage pipe with minimum diameter 32, preferably 40;
Suction Vent Types: Air suction: used in surgical suction. Water suction: used for salivary suction. Needs:
- Water – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” internal thread tap;
- Air – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” female threaded valve or 8″ pneumatic hose (6 ID, 8 OD) rated to 12 bar pressure;
- Current – grounded 2.5″ power cable;
- Sewage – PVC sewage pipe with minimum diameter 32, preferably 40;
Wet Suction
- The pump draws from both the vacuum and the sink.
- Use only if you cannot install a sewer pipe only a vaccum pipe from the unit to the pump
- Attention! Next to the vacuum pump there will need to be drains for draining the liquids after separation
It requires:
- Install a special valve -(cost about $550) to prevent false air from being sucked in through the sink.
- Water – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” internal thread tap;
- Air – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” female threaded valve or 8″ pneumatic hose (6 ID, 8 OD) rated to 12 bar pressure;
- Current – grounded 2.5″ power cable;
- Vacuum pipe – 32 diameter PVC sewer pipe that will connect the vacuum pump to the unit;
- Pump control – 2-wire cable connecting the unit to the vacuum pump.
Dry Suction
- The pump can be placed at the same level as the unit but also higher.
- The pump is only used for vacuuming, not to draw water from vacuum cleaners.
- A liquid separator is required at the unit.
- No sewage is required near the pump.
- The pump can be installed more than one unit away from a wet pump and allows multiple elbows to be mounted in the vaccum path
It requires:
- Water – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” internal thread tap;
- Air – copper or PVC pipe, fitted with a ½” female threaded valve or 8″ pneumatic hose (6 ID, 8 OD) rated to 12 bar pressure;
- Current – grounded 2.5″ power cable;
- Vacuum pipe – 32″ diameter PVC sewer pipe that will connect the vacuum pump to the unit
- Pump control – 2-wire cable connecting the unit to the vacuum pump.
- Sewage – PVC sewage pipe with minimum diameter 32, preferably 40;
To note:
The tap on the water pipe should be installed as close to the floor as possible. If the water pipe is too long or the rest of the cables are too twisted, the cover will not fit. Therefore, all pipes and cables coming out of the floor must be framed in a maximum 20X20 cm grid. If you want to fix the unit in the floor (often not necessary) you need an accurate drawing of the pipes running through it. This way, you can avoid any damage or cracking of the pipes when inserting the screws.
