Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a suction conduit structure that includes a main conduit portion and a pair of secondary conduit portions extending from the main conduit portion. A pair of pad support members are positionable adjacent to lateral surfaces of the focus tooth, and each pad support member is mounted on one of the secondary conduit portions. A suction pad is mounted on each pad support member for positioning adjacent to the focus tooth. In one embodiment, a tooth gripping structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for gripping a lateral surface of an anchor tooth located next to the focus tooth of the patient. The tooth gripping structures extend toward each other. In another embodiment, a tooth engaging structure is mounted on each of the pad support members for engaging a jaw of the patient at a position of meeting of the focus tooth and an adjacent tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying suction adjacent to a tooth for removing saliva from the operative area that includes a bow member for extending about a portion of a tooth of a patient that is substantially U-shaped with a central axis. The bow member includes a transverse portion that extends transverse to the central axis of the bow member and a pair of side portions each being for extending adjacent to lateral surfaces of the tooth. The side portions extend substantially parallel to the central axis, with each of the side portions having a root end connected to the transverse portion and a free end opposite the root end. The side portions of the bow member are resiliently flexible to permit spreading of the side portions. A pair of suction pads are each positionable adjacent to one of the lateral sides of the tooth and mountable adjacent to a lower surface of one of the side portions of the bow member.