How Does a Dental Suction Pump Work?
- Smile Architect
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
A Guide for Modern Dental Practices Comparing Wet, Dry, and Semi-Wet Systems
In the world of dentistry, having the right suction system isn’t just about comfort it’s about safety, compliance, and keeping your clinical workflows smooth and hygienic. Whether you’re planning a new surgery, upgrading an older system, or expanding to support more treatment rooms, choosing the right suction pump can make a world of difference.
At Diamed Engineering, we supply and install suction systems from world-class manufacturers like Cattani UK and DÜRR Dental. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between wet, semi-wet, and dry suction systems, explain why it matters depending on the type of treatment you provide, and share some valuable insights into installation options, environmental regulations, and long-term reliability.
First Things First: What Does a Dental Suction Pump Do?
A dental suction pump removes air, water, blood, and debris from the oral cavity during procedures. This keeps the working area clear for the dentist and safe for the patient. Suction is essential not only during routine cleanings but especially during restorative treatments, surgical procedures, and implantology, where fluid control is critical.
But not all suction systems are created equal — and your choice depends on both clinical needs and practice setup.
Types of Dental Suction Systems
🟦 Wet Suction Systems
Wet suction systems use water to generate vacuum pressure. These are traditionally powerful, capable of handling large volumes of fluids, making them ideal for high-volume clinics and surgical procedures. However, they require significant water usage , sometimes up to hundreds of litres a day and can be costly to maintain over time.
Pros:
High suction capacity
Well-suited for surgeries with heavy fluid use
Considerations:
Higher water and energy usage
Greater maintenance and environmental impact
Less flexibility in installation (usually ground floor)
🟨 Dry Suction Systems
Dry suction systems operate without water, instead using air-driven pumps and internal separation units. They’re eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and particularly well-suited for modern practices that want reliable suction without the hassle of water management.
Pros:
No water use – more sustainable
Lower running and maintenance costs
Can be installed on upper floors
Quiet operation and compact design
Considerations:
May have slightly lower peak suction power
Needs proper configuration for multi-surgery use
🟩 Semi-Wet Suction Systems
A hybrid of the two, semi-wet suction systems (like Cattani’s Micro Smart) use minimal water to assist airflow while keeping maintenance and consumption low. These systems offer a balanced approach, popular with mixed-treatment practices where suction needs vary across procedures.
Pros:
Excellent balance of performance and efficiency
Lower water usage than wet systems
Reliable for a range of clinical applications
Considerations:
Still requires some water
Setup needs careful planning based on room layout and workflow
Why Treatment Type and Practice Size Matter
When choosing a suction system, it’s not just about the unit as it’s about how you work.
Routine dentistry and restorations: A dry or semi-wet unit is typically sufficient for everyday treatments like fillings, cleanings, or crown work.
Implantology, oral surgery, or long procedures: Consider semi-wet units with higher suction capacity to handle greater volumes of fluids and debris.
Multi-surgery practices: Look for modular or centralised systems with enough airflow capacity to run multiple operatories simultaneously.
At Diamed, we help clients evaluate room layouts, existing pipework, and future treatment plans to select the most appropriate and scalable suction solution.
Spotlight on Cattani UK – Dry & Semi-Wet Suction Specialists
Cattani is known across the dental industry for engineering reliable, easy-to-service suction units designed with efficiency and practicality in mind.
They offer a diverse portfolio of dry and semi-wet suction systems, with models to suit everything from single-chair practices to busy clinics with multiple surgeries.
Some key features include:
Energy-efficient motor systems
Built-in amalgam separation on many models
Options for both new installs and retrofits
Quiet operation with minimal vibration
Flexible placement – including upper-floor surgeries
Their popular Micro Smart unit is a great example of a semi-wet system that strikes a perfect balance between performance and eco-conscious design.
Spotlight on DÜRR Dental – Innovation and German Engineering
DÜRR Dental has been setting the standard for dental vacuum systems for decades, offering a range of suction units that are compact, powerful, and designed for long-term use.
Their systems are particularly popular in multi-chair practices and surgeries requiring stable, high-volume suction. Highlights include:
Quiet and compact motors
Built-in filters and amalgam separation
Dry and wet versions tailored to your clinic size
Proven compliance with UK and EU environmental standards
Compliance Matters: Amalgam Separation Regulations
It’s not just about power — it's also about regulatory compliance. For example, UK and EU guidelines (including HTM 01-05) require dental practices to prevent mercury waste from entering the water system. That’s why choosing a system with built-in or compatible amalgam separators is essential.
Both Cattani and DÜRR offer suction systems with built-in amalgam separation or external units that meet compliance requirements. We can help you ensure your system is set up to satisfy CQC inspections and environmental best practices.
Final Word: Let’s Help You Choose the Right Suction System
At Diamed Engineering, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to help you choose a dental suction solution that suits your current needs, future growth, and compliance obligations.
✔ Need help planning around your existing suction pipework?✔ Expanding to a second surgery?✔ Looking to reduce maintenance or improve reliability?
We can support you with honest advice, product guidance, and installation services, backed by some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry.
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