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Intraoral Camera

The Improvement of Dental Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a camera which is designed to be used in the mouth for the purpose of taking video or still photography. These cameras are most commonly used in dental offices, although patients can also use them at home to monitor dental health or to satisfy curiosity about what the inside of the mouth looks like.

The intraoral camera enlarges the inside of the teeth to more than 40 times their actual size on a full color screen display. By zooming in on problem areas in affecting the teeth, dentists are capable of seeing much more than they could with the human eye alone. Often, dentists find the beginnings of periodontal disease or tooth decay that would have otherwise gone undetected if examined without the intraoral camera.

Image quality and ease of use of intraoral cameras have improved tremendously over the years. Most are now very slim and ergonomically designed dental handpieces with a single button for capturing images quickly, while others may require the click on a computer screen’s icon to capture the desired images. Most are corded and can plug into the USB port in the computer. As with many dental products, multiple manufacturers of intraoral cameras are able to bridge with different radiography software. Similar to computer programs and products, each intraoral camera system has its own features, and some are compatible to specific software. Most dealer reps will offer a demonstration of the various camera types that are compatible to an office’s software systems.

Each feature that benefits the dentist also benefits the patient—maybe even more. Your dentist understands symptoms and conditions thoroughly, but it’s often difficult to explain precisely what is happening in a patient’s mouth using just a mouth mirror, which is small and hard to see, or an x-ray image, which takes time to print and doesn’t display images clearly.

When your dentist uses an intraoral camera during your examination, however, you’re seeing exactly what he or she sees right then. Dentists can display clear, colorful images, allowing them to point out any issues and discuss them with you immediately. You’ll certainly learn a lot about your mouth! And the more you see and understand, the more confident you can be when making treatment decisions.

The intraoral cameras designed for use in dental facilities come with disposable probes or probe covers to ensure that germs are not passed between patients, and they may come with a variety of options which enhance the functionality of the camera. Versions designed for home use are usually much more basic, but they can still be useful for people who want to see the inside of the mouth.

Dental Compressor

The Prototype to the Air Compressor: Bellows

No period in human history has seen as much technological development as the 20th century. During the first half of that century alone, people witnessed the introduction of automobiles, aircraft and countless products sold in stores that hail from factory assembly lines. The production for all of these things has largely been driven by compressed air, which has made it possible for workers at factories to assemble heavy, intricate items at speeds that would have been impossible a century before.

The history of air compressor use can be traced back thousands of years to when early civilizations discovered the power of the human lung. With its ability to exhale oxygen, the lung made it easier to build fires for cooking and keeping warm.

Sometime around 3000 B.C., developments were made in the branch of science known as metallurgy, which concerns the study of metal production. Among metalsmiths, it became apparent that hotter forms of air were needed to turn liquidized minerals like copper and gold into hard metals.

In light of the demands brought on by metal production, the limitations of the human lung became readily apparent. At its healthiest, the human lung is only capable of producing a fraction of the air pressure needed for cooling metal. Furthermore, lungs proved to be an unsuitable source for fire sustenance due to the carbon dioxide content in the air that humans exhale. Clearly, something more powerful and elaborate was needed for air production.

Bellows: The Prototype to the Air Compressor

The earliest man-made air device was the blowpipe, which metallurgists in Egypt used in the production of precious metals seen in ancient tombs. This was followed by manually operated bellows — the world’s first mechanical compressed air device. Consisting of a flexible bag, the device made compressed-air production a whole lot easier. The accordion-like device sucks air in through one side while extended, then pushes the air out through the other end when the handles are squeezed together.

Around 1500 B.C., the introduction of foot-operated bellows — safer to operate and without the strain factor to the arms and hands — allowed for a more practical way of producing air for metalworking. Bellows remained the standard in compressed air production for the next two millenniums. Even though bellows bear little resemblance to the modern-day oilless air compressor, they were capable of sustaining fires with enough heat to meld iron ores. Today, bellows are still used in certain applications, including breathing devices used in hospitals.

dental tips

How to Clear Chairside Sandblasting

An advance in adhesive dentistry has resulted in sandblasting, to increases micro-retention, being performed as a routine procedure. Instead of wearing a path from the patient’s portable folding chair to the office lab to clean excess cement from a patient’s temporary or loosened permanent crown ,or for sandblasting the fitting surface of a crown, bridge inlay or veneer, the procedure is a half- turn away, thanks to the new breed of sandblasters and hookup options.

The uninterrupted patient/doctor exchange is especially beneficial with anxious adult patients – no need to cut the reassuring golf story short for a trip down the hall, leaving the patient alone. Standard hookup kits allow, with a simple male disconnect, access to the dental unit’s air source through the female port.

Many dentists have sandblasters with quick disconnects in every operatory, and these space- efficient wonders tuck easily into a drawer. The adaptors for standard 4-hole dental handpiece ports,or even for your favorite Kavo®, Sirona® or W&H® High speed handpiece port, for a blasting procedure – just pop on the adaptor and activate the sandblaster with your regular foot control, And how about the air quality?

The old dust collection methods are fast disappearing as dentists perform more and more chairside sandblasting. You’ve heard of them as the homemade variety, consisting of a discarded packaging box of gallon plastic milk carton with three handcuts holes. Learning over the nearest trash can, much to the dismay of office staff, Best of all, throwing open a window and blasting away (weather permitting). Times have changed and the new waves of dust collectors not only keep the air clean, but they look great, too – they’re high-tech looking, lightweight and simple to operate and empty.

No fancy installation, either- they simply plug into the nearest outlet. Best of all, the new breed of dust collectors are scaled to fit comfortably on an operatory countertop without without getting in the way, and without compromising user comfort or efficiency.

dental equipment

The Changes about Dental Air Polisher

Traditionally, a rubber cup and fluoridated prophy paste method has been used for plaque and stain removal. However, this technique has obvious limitations in areas of crowding, around orthodontic fixed appliance and of course, in areas of limited access such as under and around fixed multiple unit restorations.

Dental air polishers typically generate a stream of pressurized air, carrying specially graded particles of a mild soluble abrasive, such as sodium bicarbonate. The abrasive is directed, in the presence of a stream of water, at a tooth surface to be cleaned. The mixture of water and powderladed stream occurs on the tooth surface and forms a “slurry” that is responsible for the cleaning action.

In most currently available units, the water stream emits through a separate nozzle that may be concentric to that of the powderladen air stream nozzle. The resulting buildup of crystalline anhydrous sodium bicarbonate deposits in the lumen of the air/powder nozzle results in clogging. Several attempts have been made to overcome this, including the introduction of a ‘bleed air stream’ that flowed constantly through the air/powder nozzle and changes in the chemical composition or physical nature of the powder

More recent technology produces a slurry by introducing the water stream into the powder-laden air stream, within the spray head at a critical moment, to produce a fully homogeneous stream that is emitted from a single nozzle. This stream technology configuration has not only been shown to prevent nozzle clogging by preventing the buildup of deposits, but also results in a much more efficient cleaning action because the slurry is formed prior to emission. Air polishing devices were originally designed to be standalone tabletop units. They have been considered to be the equipment of choice for the hygiene department, sometimes being combined with ultrasonic scalers.

They offer a large powder chamber holding enough powder for multiple treatments, along with the convenience of a lightweight, fully autoclavable handpiece design. They are activated by a dedicated foot control that can select either a polishing or rinse mode and they require connections to water, air and electrical outlets. As such, they are normally allocated to a particular treatment room.

dental health

Dental Air Polishing in Orthodontics

Air polishing units typically generate a stream of pressurized air, carrying specially graded particles of a mild soluble abrasive, such as sodium bicarbonate. The abrasive is directed, in the presence of a stream of water, at a tooth surface to be cleaned. The mixture of water and powderladed stream occurs on the tooth surface and forms a “slurry” that is responsible for the cleaning action.

Rapid and simple plaque and debris removal allows the orthodontist to work in a clean esthetic field. The remnants of recent meals or in-between snacks need no longer waste valuable chairside time. No need to set up a hygiene appointment, a few moments with the Jet polisher 2000 is all that it takes to clean the field.

Frequent cleaning with a dental air polisher resulted in a greater reduction in gingival bleeding and marginal redness compared with pumice and rubber cup technique. This was attributed to the more thorough removal of plaque. It is virtually impossible to adequately adequately clean around fixed appliances using a rubber cup technique. The Jet polisher 2000 is an invaluable aid in the prevention of enamel decalcification around orthodontic appliances.

More recent technology produces a slurry by introducing the water stream into the powder-laden air stream, within the spray head at a critical moment, to produce a fully homogeneous stream that is emitted from a single nozzle. This stream technology configuration has not only been shown to prevent nozzle clogging by preventing the buildup of deposits, but also results in a much more efficient cleaning action because the slurry is formed prior to emission.

Air polishing devices were originally designed to be standalone tabletop units. Air polishing devices are used routinely in general dental practice for plaque and stain removal and for every situation when enamel is cleaned, such as prior to bonding procedures.

Air polishing has been compared to scaling and rubber-cup polishing for efficiency and effectiveness of stain and plaque removal. The literature overwhelmingly supports the use of the air polisher as an efficient and effective means of removing extrinsic stain and plaque from tooth surfaces. Air polishing requires less time than traditional polishing methods and removes stain three times as fast as scaling with comers. In addition, less fatigue to the operator has been mentioned as an important benefit of air polishing.

Dental Autoclve

The Sterilization Information about Dental Autoclave Sterilizer

Today’s busy dental practices face a serious challenge: to maintain or increase productivity while ensuring that patient safety remains a top priority. At times, these may seem like incompatible goals. Advances in dental processing equipment, however, have empowered practices to develop safer processes while realizing efficiencies and ultimately, saving money.

A cleaning and sterilization process that meets ADA and CDC guidelines is vital to an effective infection control program. Streamlining of this process requires an understanding of proper methods, materials, and devices. Many methods of instrument reprocessing are available. Use of a complete system that encompasses and fulfills all elements that are critical maximizes efficiency and minimizes risks. Closed cassette systems provide a more efficient and safer way to process, sterilize and organize instruments in a dental office – these eliminate manual steps during instrument reprocessing such as hand scrubbing and time-consuming sorting of instruments, thereby improving safety and increasing efficiency.

Care must be taken by the dental healthcare professional to ensure that all instruments are cleaned prior to sterilization, and that this is carried out in a safe manner to avoid injury and puncture wounds. Use of closed-system cassettes reduces the risk to dental healthcare professionals when executing infection control programs. When using ultrasonic cleaners, washers and sterilizers, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is also important to consult with the manufacturer of dental instruments and devices as needed to ensure complete sterilization and to avoid damage to these items. Assurance of sterility of instruments and devices can be obtained through the use of one of several tests, and these tests must be performed regularly to ensure that the sterilizer is sterilizing all instruments and devices and that these are safe for use on patients.

Parameters such as time, pressure and temperature vary according to the type of autoclave sterilizer, materials being sterilized and individual models within sterilizer brands. The first step in determining the settings for the sterilizer is to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sterilizers are medical devices, requiring clearance by the Food and Drug Administration before manufacturers may offer them for sale. The FDA requires rigorous testing to ensure an adequate margin of safety in each cycle type described in the instructions. Failing to follow the instructions of the manufacturer is ill advised, since it may result in inadequate sterilization of the instruments or devices in the sterilizer. It is never appropriate to use a household device, such as a toaster oven, for sterilization of dental equipment.

dental tips

The Uses of Dental Air Polisher

Use of dental air polishers decreased as the clinician’s age and experience increased. Curricula in many dental hygiene schools do not include clinical instruction in the use of this polishing device due to inadequate numbers of units and difficulty in moving units between clinic stations. Inadequate or insufficient knowledge and experience, therefore, appears to be a major factor in the underutilization of the air polisher.

In an attempt to provide a suitable knowledge base for practicing dental hygienists, the primary purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary and critique of the research on all aspects of air polishing. In addition, a suggested technique, common concerns, and possible solutions will be discussed.

Discussions are based on a review of the relevant literature on air polishing. Tables organize the data into categories to facilitate access of needed information. Because of the various research designs employed and the number of variables that must be controlled, comparative analyses of the studies are difficult. However, where possible, analyses of the validity and reliability of the studies are provided. It should be remembered that while laboratory (in vitro) investigations are useful, the most definitive conclusions must be obtained through clinical (in vivo) studies. Case reports or opinion articles have limited applications.

Because polishing with a rubber cup and prophylaxis paste has been shown to remove the fluoride rich layer of enamel and cause marked loss of cementum and dentin over time, this method of stain removal has been challenged Rubber cup polishing with prophylaxis pastes, therefore, may not be a suitable method for moderate-to-heavy stain removal on enamel, cementum, or dentin. One study, however, contradicted these findings and suggested that rubber cup polishing with chalk is equally effective in decreasing root-surface roughness caused by sonic scaling. Chalk is not a common polishing agent and no comparison of the abrasiveness was made between it and the sodium bicarbonate used in air polishing powder. This study, therefore, may not simulate actual clinical situations.

Numerous investigations have examined the effects of the air polisher on a variety of restorative materials. Some results have been positive, while others have recommended caution near restorations. Although some studies are contradictory, most suggest caution or complete avoidance when air polishing on or near composite restorations. On composites, surface roughness or pitting was the most common result seen. One study concluded that, although marginal microleakage was greater for composites than for amalgams, this loss was not statistically or clinically significant. More research is recommended since previous studies do not support this conclusion.

dental equipment

Some Tips about How to Choose Dental Equipment

With so many different models and manufacturers to choose from, you want to make sure you’re investing in something of quality that is best for your practice. While some products may do the same function, some perform and last better than others simply because of how they were made.

As good as a deal that company you don’t recognize or haven’t seen any reviews on may offer, do not buy from them unless you are sure the decision is right for you.

Choose a manufacturer who has an established reputation and has been in business for a number of years. These companies have the knowledge and experience to help recommend the best products. This also benefits you because they know exactly how each product functions and how it benefits the different dental practices.

When contemplating the change to digital dental in your practice, the choices can be confusing for the dentist. Dental radiography has evolved from film and chemical developers into a highly technical process that involves various types of dental x-ray machines, as well as powerful dental software programs to assist the dentist with image acquisition and diagnostic analysis of the acquired images. When making the decision to purchase x-ray equipment, the doctor needs to research the available options thoroughly, in order to make an informed choice for the “right” machine for his or her practice.

Although “top of the line” dental chairs may cost between $7,000 to $9,000, you may benefit more from buying a used dental chair instead. This is because many used and portable folding chair are made of more durable materials than many of the mass-produced products on the market now.

One of the best ways to make sure you are buying quality materials is to ask other professionals within your practice. This can come from directly contacting them or simply reading reviews from others in the industry. Make sure that the individuals you are getting advice from are also established and reputable, just as you would with choosing a manufacturer.

Those with years of experience will be able to tell you which products are best and which are not. In many cases, they have already used the product and have the best knowledge of whether it is a good investment and the pros and cons of the products.

Dental Compressor

TheType of Fluid Used in Air Compressor

It is not uncommon for five horsepower air compressor pricing to range from less than $750 to near $2000. The difference can be measured in compressor life, sometimes as short as 2000 hours versus 40 years for a heavy duty pressure lubricated compressor. While the upfront cost is attractive, it would seem the maintenance would involve throwing away the lesser air compressor every year or so and replacing it with a new machine. Even if it were planned to keep the air compressor and perform a rebuild, it may not be possible with less costly air compressors.

The consumption of special parts and oil also must be considered in the cost of ownership. It is typical for manufacturers of rotary screw dental air compressors to provide a long-life synthetic fluid to enhance the performance of the air compressor. Synthetic oils will last from 4000 hours to an indefinite period before requiring a change-out.

Depending on the type of fluid used, special handling and disposal might be required. For example, normal motor oil, which is rarely used in any type of air compressor, can be easily discarded without being considered a hazardous waste. Automatic transmission fluid, which will last about twice as long and reflects that in its price, can similarly be disposed of fairly simply. Both types of fluid are collected routinely by oil recyclers to be re-blended.

Synthetic fluids and blends, however, sometimes require special handling for proper disposal. Ester and olefin type fluids must be identified and require special disposal in some municipalities. It is best to check before buying to ensure all costs are factored.

Other types of fluid are considered to be biodegradable, and thus suitable for disposal in a sewer system. Such fluids, polyalkeneglycol or polyglycol, should have a certificate from the manufacturer that states the fluid’s biodegradability.

Other specialty chemicals like silicon blends or pure silicon represent another disposal issue and should be disclosed prior to purchase. Note that the more features a fluid has, like long life and high temperature stability, the more expensive it will be to buy and discard.

By carefully selecting an air compressor that has a balance between long service life and parts cost, it is possible to save even more money over the life of the equipment. Also, by weighing the maintenance requirements, the impact of waste filters and fluid can be managed as well. Less cost and less waste is better for the economy and ultimately is better for the environment.

Dental Autoclve

The Sterilization Methods in Dentistry

Disposable dental supplies are also used whenever possible. Tools that are not disposable are generally scrubbed by hand and placed in a machine known as an autoclave. This machine then disinfects the tools by spraying them with very high-pressure steam, which kills most micro-organisms. Any tools that can not be subjected to high heat or moisture are usually disinfected with chemicals.

Disposable dental tools and supplies are some of the most important items when it comes to sterilization in dentistry. Some disposable dental supplies include bibs and masks wrapped in sterile packaging. Once these are used with one patient, they are simply thrown away.

Maintain sterilized instruments in the pouches or wrapping in which they were sterilized by autoclave sterilizer. If the packaging becomes torn or wet, the items must be repackaged and heat sterilized. Avoid mingling non-sterile packages with sterile ones. There should be a visible indicator, such as chemical indicators or color-change autoclave tape on the outside of each package to allow staff to easily discern sterilized instrument packages from those that have not yet been heat-processed.

Tools that can’t be thrown away, such as dental drills, are generally put through a very intensive dental sterilization process. First they are usually vigorously scrubbed by hand. This is usually done with hot water and detergent, and it helps remove any large particles, such as plaque. They may also be placed in a vibrating tray filled with cleaning solution, which can help remove very small particles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), OSAP, most state dental licensing boards, and dental handpiece manufacturers all recommend heat sterilization between patient uses. Virtually all handpieces currently in production are heat-tolerant, and those that are not can be retrofitted to allow heat-processing. Autoclaving and chemical vapor sterilization are considered accepted methods of heat sterilization. High-level disinfection via chemical germicides cannot be biologically monitored to assure sterility. Further, extended contact with chemical germicides may corrode handpiece components.

Sterilization in dentistry also involves killing the invisible germs on tools. Autoclaves are machines that are commonly used during sterilization in dentistry. These machines are usually made from large metal cylinders, and they are similar to pressure cookers. Once the tools are placed in the autoclave, they are sprayed with high-pressure steam. The high pressure inside this machine helps raise the steam to very high temperatures that are necessary for killing disease-causing micro-organisms.