10 Interesting Things About the Dentist’s Hanpieces

1.There are two main types of dental drills: the high speed handpiece and the slow-speed.  The high-speed drill rotates around 250,000 RPM.  That means it spins around more than 4,000 times each second!

Even the relatively slow dental drill rotates at about 8,000 RPM.  By comparison, this DeWalt Drill is three times slower with a top speed of 2,500 RPM.

2 .After using the dental drill on your tooth for 30 seconds, your dentist is subjected to as much bacteria as they would be had you sneezed right in their face (Source).  That’s one of the reasons most dentists wear face masks.

3 .The high-speed dental drill shoots out water as it spins, as you can see in the photo above.  If it didn’t, the friction would cause your tooth to get so hot during a filling that it could possibly damage the nerve inside your tooth.

4.Many dentists now refer to the dental drill as a low speed handpiece to make it seem more friendly and enticing.

5 .The dental drill has to withstand the rigors of sterilization after every use, which means it gets heated to 250° Fahrenheit with pressurized steam for at least 15 minutes.

6 .The very first dental drill appears to have been a bow drill used by an ancient civilization about 9,000 years ago.

7 .The drill bits that dentists use are made of tungsten-carbide.  Some have blades to cut teeth, like in the photo below, and others are coated with diamonds to give a sandpaper-like smoothing effect (see photo below).

8 .As recently as the early 20th century, many dentists used drills that were powered by a pedal that the dentist would pump with his foot.

9 .The distinct shrill sound that the high-speed dental drill makes can be a major factor in people’s fear of the dentist.  Even for those who don’t have dental fear, the dental drill’s noise can be very unpleasant.

10 .Dental drills can be expensive, with many costing over $1,000.  That’s a lot more expensive than your average home-improvement drill.

Eight Dental Care Tips for Moms

Moms deserve to be celebrated every day, so if you are a mom, 1-800-DENTIST thinks it's time to give yourself a gift that lasts a lifetime - the gift of dental health.

Here at 1-800-DENTIST, we understand that busy moms don't always believe they have the time to take great care of their teeth. But it shouldn't be that way. By giving your teeth the attention they need - just like you do for your family - you can help preserve your smile for decades.(dental ultrasonic scaler)

1-800-DENTIST has put together 8 dental care tips just for moms (and moms-to-be):

1. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes - You need all of that time to thoroughly remove plaque!

2. Brush properly  - Brush too hard and you might hurt your gums. For teeth brushing tips, check out our article on how to brush.

3. Floss every day - This is the best way to remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming between teeth.

4. Load up on fruits & veggies - Sweets promote tooth decay and gum disease. But fresh fruits and veggies are great for your overall health and your teeth!

5. Bust a move - Diet and exercise may help prevent periodontal disease, according to the Journal of Periodontology. Who knew?

6. Take time to de-stress - Stress can lead to teeth grinding, cause TMJ and trigger canker sore and cold sore outbreaks. Try yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques to take the edge off.

7. Visit your dentist - You wouldn't let your kids miss a dentist appointment, so why should you? If you're pregnant, it's important to continue with regular dental exams.

8. Be model mom - Your kids look up to you. Dentists know that mothers who make dental health a priority in their own lives set a good example for their kids.

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Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Gum Abscess

1.    Periodontal gum abscess is commonly associated with periodontal pocket which can either be infrabony periodontal pocket or can be suprabony periodontal pocket.
2.    Tooth elevation and mobility may also be seen in case of periodontal gum abscess.
3.    In case of periodontal gum abscess, tooth is tender on lateral percussion.
4.    Pain in case of periodontal gum abscess is localized and patient can identify the offending tooth. Patient will feel pain and tenderness in the gums on chewing.
5.    Affected tooth may be vital or sometimes it is non-vital.
6.    Tooth with periodontal abscess may also be associated with fistula.
7.    Gums are inflamed, tender and swollen and will appear red and shiny
8.    Damage to the bone also occurs in case of periodontal gum abscess.
9.    From the gums of the tooth, pus drainage is there.
10.    Patient will have bad breath and bad taste in mouth in case of periodontal gum abscess.
11.    There is increased body temperature present. Along with that, lymph nodes are also swollen. endodontic motor




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Generation of Changes of Dental Curing Light

Light-curing resin composites were introduced to restorative dentistry in 1969. The earliest light-cured materials were photopolymerized with ultraviolet light-polymerizing devices. This use of light curing ushered in an era of command set. When the light irradiated the restorative material, it initiated the setting-photopolymerization reaction of composite resins. The use of light curing paralleled the introduction of adhesive bonding of composites to enamel. These early curing lights had limited depth of cure due to the shorter wavelengths (10 nm to 380 nm) of UV radiation energy. In the mid-to-late 1970s, UV light-curing devices were phased out and replaced with visible light-curing devices using quartz-halogen bulbs (QTH) to light cure restorative materials that used photosensitive chemistries in the 460 nm to 480 nm wavelength, typically camphorquinone (CQ) for polymerization of composites.5 The longer wavelengths of this visible light spectrum allowed for a more penetrating curing light and light energy. This increased energy of photopolymerization introduced an era of improved physical properties with resin-based composites that were set by exposure to relatively safe, high-intensity light sources.

In the 1990s, there were significant improvements in best dental curing light devices. QTH devices had improvements that increased the energy to at least 6,000 mW/cm2, and in some cases using specialized turbo tips, more than 1,300 mW/cm2.2,6 At the same time, high-intensity light sources (a fluorescent bulb containing plasma) for resin-based composite curing and plasma-arc curing (PAC) with an irradiance range of 400 nm to 500 nm were introduced.6 A comparison of QTH- and PAC-cured composite resins demonstrated variation based on the composites and individual lights for different physical properties, but no one light type performed better than another.

A significant change in how resin-based composites were light cured occurred in the late 1990s, with the introduction of light-emitting diodes (LED) that provided light in the blue-visible spectrum with a range of 450 nm to 490 nm.8 Currently, the latest generation of LED curing devices provide consistent energy outputs of greater than 1,000 mW/cm2.2,9,10 The benefits of the latest generation of LED curing lights can include: higher, consistent light-energy output through emitter life; lightweight cordless features with rechargeable batteries; heat sink or quieter cooling fan; broader light spectrum with multiple LEDs for photopolymerization of resin-based composites with both CQ and other photoinitiators; and more useful light transmitted in ranges because of wavelength-specific emitters.

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What are the factors that influence dental whitening process?

A primary reason results vary significantly is because many factors influence the whitening process. Some of these factors are controllable; some are not. And they may vary from system to system and person to person. Therefore, it is difficult to make claims that will satisfy the conditions of all those wanting a whiter smile. Primary factors include:
Color to start with – it is documented that those with more of a yellowish hue have greater response to whitening than those who have more gray or brown. Intrinsic gray discoloration is commonly seen in exposure to different types of medications. The most widely known is the antibiotic, tetracycline. Brown is often seen with excessive intake of fluoride, referred to as fluorosis. Fluorosis may also create a mottling or blotchy look to the enamel and make it equally difficult to achieve optimum results.
Unique and inherent whitening potential – it is believed that we each have a level at which our teeth cannot whiten any more.
Clean teeth – it is advised to have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove all deposits, as well as surface stain that may interfere with the whitening agent being in direct contact with the tooth.
Percentage of whitening agent – meaning the higher the concentration, the faster the results. However, the higher concentration can also result in a greater risk of sensitivity. Therefore, the percentage of whitening agent should be determined based on: how sensitive your teeth are to begin with; if you have any root surfaces exposed; the delivery system you choose and over what period you want results.  In-store or over-the-counter systems have a much lower whitening agent percentage, so it takes a little longer and may require more frequent touch-up. In-office systems provide a higher percentage, the alternative of using carbamide peroxide (teeth whitening machine for sale) and a more controlled application.
Duration of time – the whitening agent is in direct contact with the tooth surface. This is delivery-system sensitive as well. And it is related to the ratio agent. Each system requires a different timeline and should be followed accordingly. The key is to maintain direct contact with the entire tooth to provide even and precise whitening results.
Compliance – is easy when you choose a system based on your needs and concerns; when you use the system as directed and when you minimize risks. It is recommended to use an agent within neutral pH range. This is safer for the enamel and reduces sensitivity. Additionally, pay attention to all the factors that influence whitening and consult a dental professional with any concerns.
Oral habits – can play a major role in the whitening process. Before any application, it is a good idea to thoroughly brush and floss plaque, stain and food debris from the surfaces of the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene will keep your smile looking brighter longer.
Avoid – foods and drinks dark in color or that are acidic (tea, coffee, sodas, wine, grape juice, chocolate, orange juice), smoking and chewing tobacco. Beware of oral home care products that contain alcohol and dyes/colors or may be high in abrasion or acidity.

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How DO The Power Ultrasonic Scaler Work

The main action of power best dental ultrasonic scaler is mechanical; the high vibrational energy crushes and removes calculus. Other actions include: creating shockwaves that disrupt bacterial cells, or using turbulence to disrupt biofims, and irrigation — the therapeutic washing and flushing of the periodontal pocket and root surface with cooling water. Both power and hand scaling techniques require an experienced clinician with good tactile sensitivity (sense of touch) to remove deposits effectively and to promote healing.

Pros And Cons Of Power Driven Scalers
Research shows power scaling instruments have advantages:
They are as effective as manual instruments for calculus removal in shallow gum pockets and significantly more effective in pockets greater than 4mm.
They are very effective in disrupting biofilm from root surfaces and from within periodontal pockets making them especially helpful when patients require frequent maintenance (cleanings).
Specially designed tips can penetrate deeper into periodontal pockets than manual instruments and are more effective at cleaning difficult nooks and crannies like furcations, (areas where roots join each other in multi-rooted teeth).
When used correctly they are kinder to tooth structure, which is especially important with repeated cleanings (when used correctly).
Coolant sprays provide irrigation (flushing of the area), which improves healing by removing bacteria and their bi-products as well as the hygienist's ability to see when scaling.
They require less time than manual instruments for the same job.
Their smaller tips cause less tissue distention and require very little pressure — thus making it more comfortable for you, the patient!

Cautions Regarding Power Scalers
Aerosol production (the formation of contaminated “mist”) requires protective equipment; not a problem for experienced dental professionals.
Power scalers may affect certain cardiac (heart) pacemakers! Although most modern pacemakers are shielded, tell your dentist and/or hygienist if you have one.
Ultrasonic power scalers are not recommended for individuals with hypersensitive teeth, which may include primary teeth or newly erupted teeth. Please tell your dentist or hygienist if your teeth are sensitive to temperature change.
Ultrasonic scalers are also not recommended for areas of demineralization (early mineral loss leading to decay), porcelain or composite restorations and titanium implants — unless specially designed tips are used which won't scratch them.
Most periodontal experts today agree that the best results for non-surgical periodontal therapy are achieved by a blended approach; the combined use of power ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. Rapidly changing technology has revolutionized periodontal therapy with integration of power scaling techniques resulting in improved clinical outcomes, patient comfort, and reduced time and physical demands on clinicians.

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An Overview of Current Technology OF Dental Handpiece

Electric Dental Handpiece are rapidly replacing traditional air-driven, high-speed handpieces in the US market. Industry estimates indicate that only 20% of practices employ an electric handpiece for restorative treatment, whereas in the European market over 80% of restorative practices are employing electric handpieces to prepare teeth for restorations. Practitioners who have tried electric handpieces become quick converts to the benefits of preparing a tooth for a crown with an electric handpiece.

Speed and Torque
Two factors to understand when comparing air-driven vs electric handpieces are speed and torque. Speed is expressed in revolutions per minute (rpm), whereas torque is expressed in watts and is an indication of the tool’s cutting power. Air-driven high-speed handpieces typically will have speeds between 250,000 and 420,000 rpm but the torque is relatively low, whereas an electric handpiece may have speeds around 200,000 rpm but relatively high torque. This implies that air-driven handpieces are faster than electric handpieces. However, when a bur in an air-driven handpiece contacts material to be cut, the speed will drop by as much as 40% or more (depending on the hardness of the material) because as resistance builds during cutting, the air pressure is insufficient to maintain the speed of rotation of the turbine. The harder the material being cut, the more resistance is created and the slower the bur spins. Our instinctive reaction is to place more pressure upon the bur to get it to cut the material, which increases resistance even further, creating a vicious circle.

An electric handpiece offers smooth, constant torque that does not vary as the bur meets resistance. With electric handpieces, the bur is connected through gears in the head of the handpiece to a central drive shaft that is physically turned by the motor. Because of the absence of air, these handpieces are quieter and the chance of air embolism in a surgical site is eliminated. Thus, the power output with electric handpieces is greater than with air-driven handpieces, offering 33 to 45 watts of cutting power. Because the speed and torque are constant, removing difficult crowns, bridges, and restorations becomes easier. Electric motors also offer accuracy by enabling the end user to set precise speeds for procedures, rather than the conventional “feathering” of the rheostat. Another difference between air and electric handpieces to consider is that in electric handpieces, power output is not dependent on head size. Some manufacturers offer smaller-head handpieces that may be beneficial in pedodontic applications or when operating in the posterior in confined spaces (Figure 1).

Cutting efficiency is actually a balance between the speed and torque delivered to the bur. A good way to demonstrate this is the “penny test.” Take a penny and grasp one end with a pair of locking hemostats to stabilize the penny. Next, using a carbide bur in the handpiece, cut a slot in the penny. Typically, the air-driven handpiece will bog down as it attempts to cut the slot and may stall as increasing pressure is placed on the bur. The electric handpiece will demonstrate smooth, even cutting without bogging down. This test is a good demonstration of how the handpiece may act clinically when preparing a tooth with an amalgam core or cutting a slot in a nonprecious crown to aid in its removal.
Understanding Gear Ratios
Electric handpieces will have a gear ratio imprinted on the handpiece which helps identify what procedures are best performed with that particular gear ratio. The ratio is expressed as X:Y, with a high-speed handpiece having a 1:5 ratio, and those intended for slow-speed procedures having a ratio expressed as 1:1. Some companies also offer handpieces for “ultra” slow-speed procedures such as pin placement or endodontics with a gear ratio of 10:1 or 16:1.
Typical procedures done with a high-speed (1:5) handpiece would be cavity preparation, crown preparation, and sectioning existing fixed prosthetics. These high-speed handpieces accept standard friction-grip burs or diamonds and push-button bur chucks. Slow-speed (1:1) handpieces would be indicated for caries removal, preparation refinement, and adjustment of ceramics. Depending on the manufacturer, slow-speed heads are available in either a friction-grip or latch-grip. The benefit of a friction-grip slow-speed head is any bur that can be used in a high-speed can be alternatively used in a slow-speed. Additionally, friction-grip burs typically retail for less than half the cost of latch-grip burs and diamonds are only offered in friction-grip applications.

Couplings and Connectors
Currently, all electric handpieces offer the standardized ISO coupling between motor and attachment (also called electric or universal coupling). The abbreviation for this universal electric connector is termed an “E” connector. The benefit of this is that most electric handpieces will fit any manufacturer’s motor. The exception is the Star Dental (Lancaster, PA) connector, which has a variation on the aligning tab used to line up the fiber optics that differs from the standard alignment tab. This variation presents as a round tab on the motor end and a corresponding round dimple on the handpiece. The standardized E connector that is used by other manufacturers presents with a rectangular depression on the motor with a corresponding tab on the handpiece. But before switching to a different brand of handpiece than the motor’s manufacturer, make sure that if the handpiece is lighted that the optics connection in the coupling will work with your current motor cable (Figure 2).
Sirona also offers a propriety connector in addition to its standard E connector. This connector places the motor deeper within the handpiece. Practitioners with smaller hands may find the balance more efficient (china dental supplier).

Warranties
Warranties can be confusing in terms of understanding what exactly is covered and for what period of time. Most handpiece companies will warrant the handpiece for at least 1 year. Warranties may be extended and the manufacturer should be contacted for further information on the details. Extended warranties often require use of that company’s lubricant and some require use of their particular lubricating unit.
One aspect to understand is the warranty on the handpieces optics. Current glass-rod technology (fused bundle) is very durable. Most manufacturers provide a 5-year warranty on the optics. Glass rods basically do not deteriorate under repeated sterilization cycles. However, if you drop the handpiece and the rod breaks, typically manufacturers will consider this a void in the warranty and the owner of the handpiece will need to cover any repair costs. Therefore, extended warranties on the glass rods is more or less a marketing tool.

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