Tag Archives: Dental

Dental Compressor

How to Choose the Good Dental Compressor

Some units are portable, allowing practitioners to move them around as needed. Others are mounted in a practice. For hygiene reasons, the dental air compressor is typically attached to short tubing. Dentists may place a unit between two treatment rooms, for example, providing access from either side while leaving the tubes short to reduce the risk of breeding bacteria. The best option for a facility can depend on the number of patients it sees and the kinds of procedures it performs with the use of compressed air.

A small compressor has the advantage of being lightweight, quieter and cheaper. However, if asked to work beyond its capacity, it will overheat and cut out. It is often suggested that if the practice intends to perform restorative work it is best to have an oilless compressor, to prevent oil droplets in the airline contaminating the restorative material.

The temperature that surrounds an air compressor is integral to the quality of the machine’s performance. If the air that surrounds the compressor is hotter than normal due to rising outdoor temperatures, it can affect the performance of pneumatic tools and machines. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the air compressor itself maintains consistent temperatures throughout the year, including those months where outdoor temperatures top 80 degrees.

In recent years, increased awareness over the detriments of air contamination has spurred the development of advanced filtering systems for compressed air. The trend has gained steam in tandem with the move towards conservation and energy efficiency, both of which have been aided by the widespread adoption of pneumatic tools and machinery.

In order to prevent an air compressor from getting hotter during summer, the coolers must be cleaned each year just as temperatures begin to rise. If the coolers are clogged, it could impede their ability to keep your compressed air system at desired levels. To prevent this from happening, perform the following actions several weeks in advance of each summer:

Inspect the coolers for traces of dirt, gunk or misty residue.
Clean away any dirt deposits present on the coolers.

If the air compressor gets overheated, the impact could be troublesome for the compressor itself, as well as for any attached pneumatic tools and machinery. If a compressor is used to power air blowers, for example, the quality of air that reaches the end point could be ill–suited to the task at hand when the system is overheated.

Both new and used dental air compressor options are available. Some manufacturers offer refurbished units which have been carefully serviced before sale. These units are similar to those that are new, but have a lower price because they’ve been gently used. It may also be possible to rent a unit, which can help defray the startup costs for a dental practice. The equipment needed to start offering services to patients can be substantial, making it expensive to start a new business.

dental tips

The Use of Dental Air Polisher

Dental air polisher was developed in the early 1970’s as a technique for fast and efficient removal of extrinsic stains, plaque and other soft deposits from the teeth. It comprises a stream of pressurized air carrying specially graded particles of a mild soluble abrasive usually sodium bicarbonate, mixed with a stream of water.

Dental root form implants are manufactured from a highgrade titanium alloy, the surface of which consists of a micro layer of titanium oxide. The implant surface can also be treated by plasma spraying, acid etching, sandblasting or coated with HA. The removal of plaque and calculus deposits from these implant surfaces with Dental Instruments designed originally for cleaning natural tooth surfaces can result in major alterations to the delicate titanium oxide layer. Altering the surface topography by roughening the surface may enhance calculus and bacterial plaque accumulation.

Resulting scratches, cuts or gouges may also reduce the corrosion resistancy of titanium, and corrosion and mechanical debris can accumulate in the surrounding tissue. The aim of procedures for debriding dental implants should be to remove microbial and other soft deposits, without altering the implant surface, and thereby adversely affect biocompatibility. Increased surface roughness can lead to an increase in bacterial accumulation and resultant soft tissue inflammation. Because of the critical nature of the implant/soft tissue relationship, metal ultrasonic scaler tips, hand scalers or curettes should not be used as they have been shown to significantly alter the titanium surface.

If inflammation becomes established in the periimplant tissues, pocketing and bone loss can develop, which if left untreated, will result in the loss of the implant. Clinicians worldwide are advocating surgical regenerative procedures to restore or repair lost periimplant tissues.These techniques attempt to achieve the repair or regeneration of lost periimplant tissues,and rely on making the implant surface biocompatible with the healing tissues. This implies a detoxification of the previously infected implant surface.

Airpolishing with the H.S.T polishing system is an efficient and gentle means of debriding the implant surface to aid the removal of bacteria and bacterial toxins. The unique H.S.T. polishing system has been shown to result in no damage to the surface of titanium implants or transmucosol elements. An initial report has indicated that the HA coating can be removed with the H.S.T. polishing system.Removal of HA is sometimes indicated when the HA coating has been seriously compromised by the inflammatory process.

dental tips

The Benefits of Digital Dental X-ray

Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging in which the images are transposed digitally onto computers or other devices rather than being developed onto film. Instead of using electromagnetic radiation and chemical processing to record an X-ray onto film, digital versions use digital sensors to record images onto an image capture device, which then creates a digital image file.

This file can then be used by medical staff members, and the file can be attached to a patient’s medical notes for future reference. It can be printed to paper or slide material so can be used the same as any standard X-ray, but without as much risk and usually at lower overall cost. The initial expenses with a digital system can be immense, but over time they usually pay for themselves. These sorts of imaging devices are most commonly seen in hospitals, specialist medical practices, and dental offices. Dental imaging requires a slightly different process but the technology and basic concept are the same.

Digital dental X-rays are used by your dentist to take images of your mouth, including tooth structure and your jaw bones. In order to take the digital images, your dentist – or a dental technician – will place a small sensor in your mouth, carefully positioned. This small sensor is connected to the processing computer by a very thin wire.

Your dentist or the dental tech inputs the command for the dental X-ray machine to send a X-ray through your teeth and into the sensor, effectively taking a photo of your tooth or teeth. The sensor captures the resulting image and sends it through the wire to the computer. Then your dentist will reposition the sensor and take additional digital X-rays until all of your teeth have been X-rayed.

With digital dental X-rays, your dentist or other dental professional is able to immediately see your teeth and jaw bones. This means that assessment and diagnosis is virtually instantaneous.

Digital Dental X-Rays – A Great Advance

Many dentists are now using digital dental X-rays, which have many benefits for you, as the patient. Among some of the many benefits for you, are:
1. A reduction in the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the X-ray process.
2. No need for dental film or processing chemicals in order for your dentist to be able to see the images.
3. An almost instantaneous ability to see the X-ray images, which means, if you’re in pain, you’re not waiting for the images to be processed and then viewed.
4. Your dentist is able to use color contrast in viewing and manipulating the X-ray image, in order to see all of the details in the image.

dental equipment

What Do You Know about the Dental Equipment

An appointment with your dentist is not everyone’s favorite experience! But the reality is a lot less daunting when you consider that your dentist has a whole host of equipment to help him look after you and make your experience as pleasant as possible. What equipment does your dentist use to look after you?

Mouth Mirror
This is fairly self-explanatory and will almost certainly be used during your visit. Your dentist needs to get a good view of the inside of your mouth, including the backs of your teeth. The mirror allows them to see from all angles and help locate any potential problems much more easily.

Dental Syringe
The dental syringe is used to administer local anaesthetic to numb your teeth and gums so your dentist may perform procedures that might otherwise be painful for you. Syringes are also used to rinse or dry your mouth with water and air respectively, which is necessary for certain procedures. Syringes can hurt at first. The good news is, only for a second and the even better news is some of our practices now have pain free sedation, so you don’t even know your tooth is being numbed.

Dental Drill
The sound and the vibrations caused by the drill on your teeth may cause an unusual sensation but this is nothing to worry about. The drill is used to remove any decay attached to the tooth before filling in the cavity, although sometimes it is simply for polishing and smoothing the tooth once operating is complete.

Scaler

Dental hygienists generally use several tools during a dental cleaning, including a tooth polisher and a dental scaler. Tooth polishers buff teeth and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. They generally have several different sized heads for cleaning hard to reach places. Scalers look a bit like metal hooks and are used to remove hard plaque, especially between teeth. Some people find the use of a scaler uncomfortable, depending on their sensitivity level, pain threshold, the length of time since the last cleaning, and the extent of plaque build-up.

Suction Device
During many procedures saliva and debris can build up in the mouth, which can make things difficult for your dentist. Small hoses are used to remove anything obstructing the mouth, making any job easier for everyone involved.

X-Ray
Sometimes a problem may not be immediately obvious so an x-ray which made by dental x-ray machine will need to be taken to show a more detailed view of the teeth and bones surrounding the affected area. Without an x-ray, problems such as decay can easily be overlooked.

dental health, dental tips

How Can You Have a Bright Smile

Everyone wants to look young and attractive. And a bright smile is the most attractive way of showing it. So check out these dental tips to help you achieve a beautiful and younger smile.

Brushing your teeth on a daily basis is the most common practice among the human race. Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and others will support the fact that each one of us should brush or floss after every meal. Toothpaste contains fluorine that enriches teeth and makes them stronger. Depending on your condition, your dentist can prescribe you a toothpaste with certain levels of fluorine.

Fluoride is commonly referred to as nature’s cavity fighter. It is a nutrient highly essential for your everyday water intake. Make it a habit of using fluoridated water as due to its neutrality it washes away residue and doesn’t leave behind any unwanted sugar. Its calorie-free composition keeps you away from risks such as cavities, therefore, keeping the mouth clean.

Crooked teeth are difficult to clean hence a predisposing factor to gum diseases and risk of getting tooth cavities. Apart from having an excellent appearance, straight teeth are healthy teeth. Wondering how to correct overbite naturally? Some of the best recommendations would be braces or aligners that gradually align your teeth to disable the overbite.

Improving oral health can also improve your overall health. Dental implants help create a healthier mouth and help reduce periodontal disease, a bacterially induced chronic infection and inflammatory disease. Periodontal disease does not resolve by itself. Left unchecked and allowed to worsen, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases( dental implant machine ).

Some people have white and sparkling, unique teeth. Some people go through whitening treatments(like led teeth whitening ) to remove the stains or to make their teeth whiter. You should check with your dentist for the best procedure or treatment for your teeth. Some medications are harsh and may cause more harm than good hence a prescription from your dentist would be the best option.

If you don’t have frequent appointments to the dentist, it means you are probably not experiencing any dental problems. Although, it is a good idea to visit your dentist at least every six months. These visits should entail check-ups and cleanings that will give the dentist a chance to detect any arising dental problems. The dentist is likely to provide you with more dental tips for a younger smile.

dental tips

The Use of Dental X-ray Machine

In dentistry, there are two types of digital imaging systems used in intraoral radiography: computed radiography (CR) and direct radiography (DR). These are then categorized into periapical and panoramic x ray machines. Furthermore, there are two sources of image noise used in digital imaging: statistical noise and structured noise.

Dental radiography has evolved from film and chemical developers into a highly technical process that involves various types of digital 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.

The orthodontist requires a way to obtain the size and form of craniofacial structures in the patient. For this reason, a cephalometric extension on the imaging x-ray device is necessary to acquire images that evaluate the five components of the face, the cranium and cranial base, the skeletal maxillae, the skeletal mandible, and maxillary dentition. The cephalometric attachment offers images such as frontal AP and lateral cephs.

If the practice is concentrated in endodontic and implant treatment, then a CBCT machine is the most practical method of providing the doctor with diagnostic tools such as mandibular canal location, surgical guides, and pre-surgical treatment planning with the assistance of powerful 3D dental software applications. The patient is benefited by the reduced radiation exposure provided by these machines.

Like old fashioned dental X-rays, digital dental X-rays are used by your dentist to take images of your mouth, including tooth structure and your jaw bones. In order to take the digital images, your dentist – or a dental technician – will place a small sensor in your mouth, carefully positioned. This small sensor is connected to the processing computer by a very thin wire.

Your dentist or the dental tech inputs the command for the dental X-ray machine to send a X-ray through your teeth and into the sensor, effectively taking a photo of your tooth or teeth. The sensor captures the resulting image and sends it through the wire to the computer. Then your dentist will reposition the sensor and take additional digital X-rays until all of your teeth have been X-rayed.

With digital dental X-rays, your dentist or other dental professional is able to immediately see your teeth and jaw bones. This means that assessment and diagnosis is virtually instantaneous.

dental health, dental tips

What Can You Do to the Gum Disease

Gum disease (aka gingivitis) is when the gums in the mouth become inflamed and start to bleed. If it is not treated it can develop into periodontal disease (aka periodontitis).

Periodontitis is a more severe case of gingivitis where gums can begin to recede to reveal more tooth bone, and abscesses can form on the gums.

In more serious instances, the teeth can become loose or, more worryingly, can fall out altogether. And as a result, you’ll get all sorts of dental issues and increase the chance of developing more serious health problems. In this case, urgent dental assistance is required.

Gum disease is primarily caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth. This plaque is full of harmful bacteria that can aggravate your gums and cause them to become infected.

In the early stages, the build-up of plaque and inflammation of gums can be painless. But it is important to be attuned to your mouth’s health as the longer gingivitis goes untreated the more rapidly it will turn into periodontitis.

If you spot any of the above symptoms, from spitting blood to loosened teeth, you should see your dentist to seek treatment.

Treating mild cases of gum disease can be as simple and as pain-free as increasing your level of personal oral hygiene: flossing and brushing twice daily for longer periods of time and regular check-ups at the dentist.

For more serious cases, your dentist will be able to properly examine your gums and teeth, sometimes through an X-ray by dental x-ray machine, and may help to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar by deep cleaning the teeth and gums with specialist tools. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary – an incentive to reassess your oral hygiene habits.

There are many ways to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria on the gums. This is largely to do with maintaining good oral hygiene, but there are some things that can increase the risk of getting gum disease:

Smokers are more likely to experience plaque or tartar build-up if they don’t keep on top of their oral hygiene.
Stress is known to be linked to the development of infection.
Not consuming a balanced diet full of nutritional food can cause malnutrition and increase the likelihood of infection.

Ultimately, your oral health should be a priority so you don’t have complications (sometimes irreversible) further down the line.

dental health

The Serious Occupational Lung Disease Caused by Dental lab Materials

Dental health has improved dramatically with falling rates of tooth decay and attention has now shifted to the needs of an ageing population, with an increased emphasis upon aesthetics – that is, having a full set of sparkling white teeth. Therefore, dental technologists spend much of their time in the lab creating cosmetic dental prostheses such as crowns and implants. This work creates dust and chemical fumes. Without proper protection, exposure to these may risk the health of the dental technologist( dental lab equipment ).

Research has shown us that the dust from the types of materials that are used in dental technology contain between 54-70 per cent of respirable particles (that is, particles of less than 5 microns in size that enter the lungs). A particular concern is the silica content of this dust, which can reach 30 per cent and may exceed maximum recommended levels during the sandblasting and grinding processes. Another is exposure to dusts from heavy metals like the cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys. Both exposures may lead to a lung condition known as pneumoconiosis, of which several cases have been reported as being linked to dental technology.

There have also been a number of cases of silicosis, a well-known and very serious occupational lung disease that is cause by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. These have been highlighted in the United States Center for Disease Control’s publication Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR). Traditionally, silicosis is associated with the mining, quarrying and ceramics industries. However, it appears that materials and processes used in dental laboratories put those who work there at risk of the condition. According to MMWR, occupational disease surveillance in five states found nine cases of silicosis among dental technologists. The case reports are revealing of the importance of protection against dust in the dental lab – as follows:

Case 1 – worked 46 years in a dental lab, exposed to dust, cobalt and chemicals and never wore a respirator. Died of respiratory failure, pathology report showed silicosis.
Case 3 – died of renal failure, pathology showed silicosis. Worked for 28 years in dental labs and never wore a respirator or used an air cleaner for dental technicians, while exposed to various dusts when carrying out sandblasting processes.

In general, the smaller the particle the more likely it is to damage health. Of particular concern are the ultra-fine particles (UFPs) which have a size in the nano range – that is less than 0.1 microns, or 100 nanometres. A recent study analysed the size range of particle which dental technologists may come into contact with during the course of their work. A number of blocks of composites used in dental prostheses were ground and the dust thus generated analysed. All of the composites released a certain amount of respirable dust.

Intraoral Camera

The Differen Uses of Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a tool your dentist uses to examine your mouth in as detailed a way as possible. The instrument, which may look like an oversized pen, has a camera that takes high-resolution footage or images of a patient’s mouth and shows the visuals real-time on a monitor—they’re like high-tech versions of the hand mirrors you see in your dentist’s practice. There’s much more to intraoral cameras, though.

Cameras can be used to take clear visual records for patient files, and to generate material which can be used in consultations and discussions with other dental providers. For example, a general dentist might use an intraoral camera to take images of a tooth or area of the jaw which requires oral surgery so that a maxillofacial surgeon can examine the information before he or she meets the patient to get an idea of the kind of surgery which might be required.

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. Using a camera at home, someone can identify an issue which requires a dentist’s attention, keep an eye on a recovering surgical site, or teach children about the importance of oral hygiene.

dental equipment

The Development of Air-driven Dental Handpiece

A recently introduced feature in an air-driven handpiece combines some of the benefits of traditional air-driven and electric handpieces into one instrument. Two new technologies incorporated into this dental handpiece are speed sensing intelligence (SSI) and superior turbine suspension (STS). These features allow this handpiece to deliver the benefits of constant torque at high speeds when performing various dental procedures, specifically cutting enamel and dentin and removing or sectioning through different types of restorative materials, including metal and zirconium.

According to the manufacturer, some of the benefits of these technologies in an air-driven handpiece are: automatic optimization of power, that is, constant speed under load to avoid stalling; delivery of smooth, constant power and control for maximum cutting efficiency and faster removal of material; speed adjustment of the bur when it is not under load to minimize wear on the bearings; and allowing the handpiece to operate at 330,000 RPM under load without bur chatter or deflection.

Because an air-driven handpiece with automatic torque control can literally “sense” the degree of “resistance” when cutting through various materials, constant speed and torque are delivered to the cutting instrument, making it unique among traditional high-speed air-driven dental handpieces. In the author’s experience, when cutting through enamel, the hardest substance in the body, this type of device gives the operator a fast, efficient cut that leaves the preparation margins ultra smooth. Cutting depth cuts for minimal-preparation veneers entirely in enamel can be performed with precision.

As the rotary instrument engages the softer dentin in a preparation, the handpiece “senses” it and reduces the workload on the handpiece while maintaining constant torque. Cutting through restorative materials, from metal amalgam to zirconium substructures, puts a high degree of strain on the turbines of traditional air-driven handpieces and wear on their turbines. Having the ability to automatically adjust speed and torque based on the resistance of the substrate improves efficiency, with less wear and tear on the handpiece itself.

Control during tooth preparation and automatic adjustments in torque to cut enamel and dentin with equal amount of ease and efficiency is, of course, greatly beneficial. However, in a clinical world where dentistry is moving away from metal-based restorative materials towards high-strength porcelain and zirconia restorations, clinicians will need a handpiece that can efficiently remove these materials when they need replacement. Many traditional high-speed handpieces will be strained beyond their limits performing these procedures on a daily basis, which will lead to costly repairs and early replacement.