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dental equipment

The Uses 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. Sometimes it is difficult for patients to fully understand the condition of their teeth in the same way the dentist does – using an intraoral camera is a state of the art dental technical device that really helps you see for yourself exactly what is happening in your mouth.

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. Several firms specialize in producing intraoral cameras and accessories, and others make adapters which can be used with conventional cameras so that they can be used in the mouth.

Images taken by an intraoral camera can also be reviewed later, which can be useful for a dentist who feels a nagging suspicion that something is not quite right in the mouth of a patient. The intraoral camera can also be used to document procedures for legal and educational reasons, and to create projections of a patient’s mouth which can be used in medical schools for the purpose of educating future dentists about various issues which pertain to oral health.

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.

The intraoral camera is not just a diagnostic tool, but it also serves as an educational one too. In the past, dentists have struggled to explain dental decay and other health problems to patients. Most people cannot see well into their own mouths, which leaves dentists to drawing diagrams or using props to attempt to explain what is going on in the mouth of their patients.

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.

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What Should You Know of Dental Curing Light

In the dental field, a dental curing light can use ultraviolet or visible light, depending on what it is designed for. Both dentist and patient need to wear eye protection to limit damage to the retina for even the 20 seconds to a minute that the light is in use during rapid curing, and the light needs to be well maintained so that it will work properly and effectively. It’s also important to use the right curing light for the right resin product; many lights are designed to handle a range of resins safety.

Using a curing light accomplishes two things. In the first place, it makes sure that the resin cures properly and adheres evenly. When applying fillings, this is critical to keep the filling in place in the mouth. For sealants, the curing light limits the risk of cracks and other problems with the sealant. With adhesives for implants and braces, the rapid, even cure is also designed to limit problems in the future.

The dental curing light also increases patient comfort by rapidly curing resins so that the patient is not forced to sit in discomfort while the resin sets. Since the mouth usually needs to be held open wide and may be dry for the procedure, patients usually want the procedure to end as quickly as possible so that they can close their mouths and remoisturize the dried oral membranes. Using a curing light gets patients in and out of the chair quickly so that the experience of irritation and pain is limited.

The selection of a curing light that fits your style of practicing remains one of the most important dental equipment purchases you will make. If you have an active restorative practice, it is a device that you use virtually every time you treat a patient. The right light can help you achieve success, while the converse is true – the wrong light can make your efforts more tedious and your results less consistent.

Curing lights allow us to initiate the polymerization reaction “on demand” for a vast array of materials. However, there is, perhaps, more misinformation and hype regarding this type of equipment compared to just about anything else we use on a daily basis. Most of these controversies center on how long you have to cure specific types of restorations as well as how deep you can cure specific types of materials.

Manufacturers continue to make outlandish claims of their curing capabilities, most of which fall into the “too good to be true” category. An example is the claim that a new light can accomplish a “5mm depth of cure in 3 seconds”. Please don’t be fooled by these ads – you absolutely, positively cannot cure a composite in three seconds. If you undercure a restoration, for example, you may not even be aware of the negative sequelae for years. Therefore, selecting a curing light and using it properly can greatly affect the performance and longevity of your restorations.

dental equipment

What’s the Benefit of Efficient Dental Air Compressor

An air compressor can also function at high temperatures and in locations where explosions and fire hazards restrict other forms of energy. Air can be generated on site, so there’s more control over usage and air quality. Also, dental air compressors can run tools and equipment that generate more power than normal tools. When using pneumatic tools, an air compressor becomes a vital part of your operation.

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The most popular compressors are positive displacement compressors, which work by filling a chamber with air and then reducing volume. Positive displacement compressors include reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary vane compressors. Although reciprocating compressors are the most widely available on the market, rotary compressors are most useful in industrial environments.

Studies have concluded that industrial plants waste roughly 30 percent of generated compressed air, which could equate to $9,600 for a typical scfm installation, or as much as $32,100 for 1,500 CFM. Estimates also indicate that poorly designed compressed air systems in the U.S. result in wasted utility payments of up to $3.2 billion.

Energy efficient air compressors will not only save money but will also help control pollution. A walk-through assessment can help identify conservation opportunities in your compressed air system.

Large-scale air emissions are released when electricity is produced. Reducing the electricity needed for compressed air systems can help significantly improve air quality.

Many industrial compressors use oil for lubrication, creating an oil and water mixture called condensate, which contains hydrocarbons and other harmful contaminants that require proper disposal in accordance with government guidelines. Oil water separators, used in condensate management systems, can help efficiently remove waste. An outside waste management company can help dispose of compressor condensate.

The largest cause of energy waste results from unused, or leaked, compressed air. Heat loss is also a large component of wasted energy in the air compression process. With energy costs doubling in the last five years, it couldn’t be more crucial to make your compressor more energy efficient.

The cleaner the air your compressor creates and uses, the safer your patients. In a dental practice, there is the risk of exposure to bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens. When equipment is producing poor-quality air, or it’s improperly generating a moist environment in machine parts, you could be creating a breeding ground for these dangers.

Dental Autoclve

How to Do the Sterilization

Steam dental autoclaves are the most commonly used type of heat sterilizer in dental practices. Two types of processes employ steam under pressure. The difference between the two is the manner in which the machine evacuates the air from the sterilization chamber and then introduces the steam.

Gravity displacement sterilizers rely on the forces of gravity to force air out of the chamber through air escape vents. The steam entering the chamber from the water reservoir displaces the air as it leaves the chamber. The combination of pressurization of the chamber, steam and a high temperature for a prolonged period has the ability to kill virtually all microorganisms. This is the most common type of autoclave found in dental offices in the United States. A typical cycle for wrapped instruments includes heat-up and pressurization time, followed by a 15-to-30-minute cycle during which sterilization is taking place (121°C at 15 psi). The sterilization cycle time decreases as the temperature is increased.

It is important to use cycle times and temperatures described in the owner’s manual, and never to interrupt the sterilization cycle to remove or add items, or for any other reason. Interruption of the cycle will result in instruments that are not sterile and therefore not safe for use on patients. After the sterilization cycle, the sterilizer must depressurize and the packs remain in the sterilizer for drying. The drying phase may take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. The unit must only be opened after completion of the drying cycle. Upon removal from the sterilizer, sterile packs must be stored in a clean, dry area. Packs that become wet, torn, contaminated, or otherwise compromised require resterilization.

Dry-heat sterilization employs high temperatures for extended periods to achieve sterilization of dental equipment. The method of heat circulation in dry-heat sterilizers is usually convection, which helps to ensure that the heat circulates throughout the sterilization chamber during the process. Mechanical convection is more effective; the sterilizer contains a fan or blower that continually circulates the heated air to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the chamber. Most commercially available dry-heat sterilizers on the market today are of this type.

The higher temperature of a dry-heat sterilizer means that paper will scorch and plastic will melt. Specialized packaging material is available for dry-heat sterilizers. Most handpieces will not tolerate the higher temperatures of a dry-heat sterilizer. Mechanically driven handpieces that contain turbines and bearings are susceptible to damage at higher temperatures. The manufacturer’s instructions should be checked for compatibility of instruments, devices, and materials with the unit and the handpiece manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for preparation of the handpiece prior to sterilization and for sterilization itself.

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The Way to Replace Parts of Dental Sterilizer

Autoclave sterilizers have been known to play a significant role in the daily functioning of dental operatories and are recently becoming even more advanced and efficient due to advances in technology. Development of a new generation of autoclaves within the last two decades has added a new dimension to this heat sterilization modality. These autoclaves are classified as “Class B” sterilizers or “pre- and post-vacuum” steam sterilizers. The equipment is fitted with a pump that creates an initial vacuum in the chamber to ensure air is removed from the sterilizing chamber before steam enters.

The latest innovations allow for fast and easy use for efficient instrument processing, reliability and effectiveness for infection control assurance, automatic opening door for efficient instrument drying, and maximum space utilization and a complimentary design for your sterilization area. Although these sterilizers can be a somewhat costly addition to a dental operatory, the time and money that they save dentists down the road is substantial. Taking a few pointers into consideration and performing routine checks and replacing old parts on your unit can help maximize the life and functioning of your model.

Door Gasket: To replace the door gasket, begin by simply removing the old door gasket. Clean the gasket groove in the door, and chamber face. For easy installation of the new gasket, use the “South-East-West-North” method (i.e. begin installing the gasket at the bottom of the door, then install the left and right sides and finishing at the top by squeezing in any of the excess making sure that the gasket fits flush).

Dam Gasket: Use CAUTION when removing or installing the dam gasket –the door studs can be sharp. To install the door dam, align and place the dam gasket on and over the door studs. The dam must lie flat against the door (refer to the Installation Instructions included with the MIG035 dam gasket).

Chamber & Vent Filters (mesh style filter): If the machine has both a Chamber and a Vent Filter – Remove all trays and the rack from the chamber. Clean the chamber, then remove the chamber filter. Install the new filter. You must also replace the Vent Filter that serves as a filter for the steam trap/bellows and is located in the vent line to the tee fitting. Reinstall rack and trays.

Sterilizer: After replacing the PM parts, check the reservoir and clean if dirt or debris are present (Note: Debris is the number one reason for Steam Trap/Bellows failure). Refill reservoir with distilled water only. Conduct a temperature check using a Max Register Thermometer. Conduct a pressure check to identify any leaks that may need to be addressed. If calibration is necessary, use the RPI Pressure Gauge and the RPI Trim Pot Tool.

dental equipment

What Make a Dental Compressor Become Special

Studies have shown that the air that your dentist uses to blow dry your teeth isn’t always very healthy for you. You might not have thought about it, but somewhere in your dentist clinic is a compressor that supplies the compressed air for all his ‘work stations’. It’s not different from an ordinary workshop, only this time the compressor needs some extra special attention.

Not a nice thought: oil in your mouth. If the compressed air coming from the dental air compressor would contain oil, not only would this give a bad taste in your mouth, it would be a high safety concern. Also, oil in the air will facilitate dirt and bacteria build up in the compressed air system.

In the old days, dentist had no other choice than to buy a oil-lubricated compressor and use filters in the compressed air line to filter out any oil in liquid or vapor form. But, with filters you can never be 100% sure. Filters will get old and require replacement in time, before they deteriorate.

Nowadays, a whole range of oil-free compressors is available on the market. Oil-free compressors have the big advantage that they are 100% oil-free, so there is zero chance of oil in the compressed air system.

Water in the compressed air is a common problem in compressed air system, and it is especially a big concern for dental air systems. Of course, you won’t taste a little water in the compressed air, nor will it be toxic. But, water in the compressed air system will increase the risk of bacteria growth. So you really want to have water-free air coming from your compressor.

Refrigerated compressed air dryers will only give you a pressure dew point of minimum 2 degrees. This means that below two degrees, water condensate will form on the inside of your equipment. This kind of dewpoint is nice for tools and grinders in a workshop, but is not low enough for a dental compressor.

The air that is produced by the compressor is used directly in human mouths. They will inhale the air and swallow any contaminations that is within the compressed air. Of course, the compressor and the compressed air must meet the highest possible standards!

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The Benefits of Dental Air Polisher

Dental air polisher was introduced in the late 1970s as an alternative to a rubber cup filled with pumice. Using a slurry of water, abrasive powder, and pressurized air, the air polisher effectively removes extrinsic stain, plaque biofilm, and prepares occlusal surfaces of teeth for sealant placement. Originally, air polishers were only intended for use on supragingival surfaces since the abrasive powder could potentially harm the softer tissues, such as the cementum, dentin, and gingival epithelium.

Low-abrasive polishing powders: First, let’s examine some benefits of low-abrasive powders. Glycine, an amino acid powder, and erythritol, a natural sweetener powder, are unlike sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, or aluminum trihydroxide powders traditionally used with air polishing devices for supragingival use. In terms of micron size, these supragingival powders are between 40 and 76 microns in size. By comparison, glycine has a micron size of 20-25, and erythritol powder has a micron size of 14.

On the Mohs hardness scale (which measures the hardness of various minerals) these supragingival powders are between 2.5 and 4. Glycine and erythritol powders rank 2 on the Mohs hardness scale. These differences in micron size and hardness translate into a broader use for air polishing, which enables safe use for the removal of biofilm above and below the gum line. In the U.S., glycine powder is currently available, and erythritol powder is undergoing FDA approval.

A controlled stream of air, water and sodium bicarbonate, which passes through a mixing nozzle to allow polishing of the enamel of the tooth. Sodium bicarbonate is a mild polishing agent. The air polisher is suitable for the removel and dissolution of biofilms. It is also used to clean discolorations. Air polisher is a safe and effective form of treatment.

The air polishing for the dental professional include less operator fatigue, less time involved than the traditional polishing technique, and improved access to difficult-to-reach areas. Benefits to the patient include less time in the portable folding chair, less “scraping,” excellent stain removal, reduced dentin hypersensitivity, and improved periodontal status.

Training regarding indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages is imperative for use of the air polisher. When used by a properly trained clinician, the clinical benefits as well as patient safety increase. But today, as an educator, I consider dental hygiene curriculum and wonder why not much has changed in regard to training students to use air polishers. The air polishers themselves have evolved, the list of uses has increased, and yet, in many schools, our students are lucky if they learn how to use one.

dental equipment

The Best Dental Equipment Closely Relates to Supplier

As a health care professional, an dentist must choose trustworthy and reliable dental equipment suppliers to practice successfully. Dental instruments in must be of the highest quality to ensure that patients get the best treatment.

Quality is the first priority: Not surprisingly, dentists invest in the best quality dental instruments as it determines the quality of patient care.Dentists choose the best chairs, autoclave sterilizers, hand instruments, amalgamators, drills, dental suction unit and other tools they need.

Prior to the purchase, a lot of research goes into finding the right supplier to compare costs, support and service and select the ones that suit their needs. These days, much of this research can be accomplished via the internet. Although it is easy to get brochures describing the various instruments, Dentists prefer to check the dental instruments personally before they decide to purchase them.

With expensive digital and electronic dental instruments, live demonstrations are always called for, before making the decision to buy or lease them. Some dentists prefer to go in for financing to fund high-value purchases.

Choosing the best dental instruments starts with finding a good supplier. Besides state-of-the-art equipment, reputable dental equipment suppliers support their dental instrumentswith a strong warranty and prompt customer service through trained, certified staff. Some suppliers offer the facility of billing after a brief trial period where the dentist can use the instruments and decide whether they match his needs. Another important aspect of supplier-selection is zero equipment down-time.

A good business relationship with the supplier is paramount as it will have a significant impact on this dentist’s practice and reputation. Most suppliers have trained sales staff that can advise the dentist about the advantages of various instruments, especially in the high-value range. Depending on the dentist’s practice a variety of standard and specialist tools may be required.

The supplier takes the trouble to understand the dentist’s practice and its specific needs before recommending dental instruments. This not creates loyal customers for the supplier’s business, but also saves the dentist the trouble of choosing the wrong equipment.

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What Are The Advantages Offered By Prosthesis Retrievability

When prosthetic materials are not durable, like with acrylic based hybrid fixed prosthetics, retrievability may have a relatively high value, so that it will be possible to make necessary repairs or refurbish the prosthesis. When prosthetics are durable, like solid zirconia bridges, do you ever expect to take them out for repair? If they have porcelain on them and the porcelain has a critical fracture, can the dental laboratory equipment really fix the prosthesis or will it be a remake anyway?

I would suggest that it will usually be the later. What about loose screws? What do you think will have more loose screws? A prosthesis with a misfit at the implant-abutment junction, like a screwed-in multi-unit hybrid, or one with an optimized implant-abutment fit? So, optimizing the fit of the implant-abutment junction and proper torqueing and re-torqueing of the abutment and would be expected to further reduce abutment screw loosening to an unusual event.

Do you need to be able to remove a prosthesis from the mouth in order to tighten a loose abutment screw? That is usually not necessary. In most locations, an access hole can be made through the prosthesis and the loose abutment screw can be tightened without removing the prosthesis. In the anterior maxilla, there might be an advantage to have a lingual access channel for possible screw tightening procedures, because making a facial screw access channel opening could render the prosthesis unaesthetic. This could be a cause for prosthesis replacement.

It is also unfortunate that the lingual access channel may require the clinician to build a facial cantilever into the prosthesis. This may also cause additional mechanical stresses on the abutment screw and make the prosthesis difficult to maintain by the patient. Both of these problems may feed into the peri-implant disease process and cause the failure of the retaining implant(s) and their attached prosthesis. So, building retrievability into a treatment is dependent on many elements that are not free of cost and risk.

Dental milling technologies, that are CAD/CAM based, have allowed the dental industry to create increasingly precise implant-abutment components. Milled components can be made to fit better and thus be more stable and resist bacterial penetration better. Beware of older technologies that require a casting process that can distort the milled implant-abutment connection. The UCLA bases are precision milled, but the casting process can damage their fit by temperature related distortion and mechanical removal of investment material. 29 A poor implant-abutment fit can lead to increased complications.

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Why does the Cosmetic Dentistry Important

Dental procedures and treatment can be anything from a minor rectification or whitening to a major surgery. You will find thousands of people undergoing various kinds of cosmetic dental treatments around the globe.

Teeth play a very vital role in our appearance and personality. Cosmetic dentistry is specialized field of medicine which deals with various kinds of teeth improvements. Modern day cosmetic dentists in NYC undertake various kinds of procedures and surgeries. The purpose behind all of these would be either enhancement of beauty or to better the denture in its function.

The main purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the beauty of one’s smile. It contributes a lot to a person’s self-confidence and thus makes him feel good about himself. The person can freely smile and express his joy. Apart from this the major aim of any cosmetic dentist in Manhattan is to provide their patients with healthier teeth and a lasting cosmetic treatment. Some of the commonly adopted procedures are led teeth whitening, straitening, crowning, bridging, replacing and many other complicated procedures that would help the patients to lead a healthy and happy life.

Cosmetic dentistry is particularly preferable for solving various issues like dentures and spaces between teeth. Cosmetic dentistry Orange County provides solutions to these problems, thereby ensuring that you can chew on your favorite food without worrying about parts of it getting stuck. The dental implant Riverside treatment deserves special mention at this point because it offers a one-time solution and of course, a worriless life!

Cosmetic dentistry has also become a favorite among the patients as it is a less painful treatment procedure than other forms of dental surgery. The process involves the least amount of pain. Therefore, if you are really scared to go for a cosmetic dentistry, then do not be worried anymore. Your problem has just been solved with these unique methods of treatment.

The treatment options and procedures like autoclave sterilizer done by cosmetic dentists are quite numerous. Some of these include tooth bleaching or teeth whitening, dental bridges, contouring, and bonding. For some advanced treatments, you’ll find lumineers, veneers (porcelain layer bonded to the teeth), and let us not ignore, the gum lift.The procedure for gum lifting makes the tooth appear more symmetrical by sculpturing the actual gumline.