The dental turbine for a dentist is like a screwdriver for a carpenter or woods for a golf player. It is impossible to do without one, in fact, it is an essential instrument for many procedures. For this reason you want to know its characteristics well enough to be able to choose a top quality model.
Operation of the dental turbine
The dental turbine works simply thanks to compressed air. Compressed air reaches the instrument through tubes inside the unit, which also supply air to the syringe. The tubes are connected to the compressor, which keeps the air at a pressure of at least 5 bar in the tank. Below this threshold, the compressor kicks in to bring the pressure back to higher values. The air then reaches the turbine, hits the blades and causes the rotor to turn.
Cooling system
Rotating at high speeds, up to 400,000 rpm, the turbine removes enamel and hardened materials such as those used for fixed prostheses. The very high speed and remarkable friction generate heat and require the introduction of an effective cooling system.
Simultaneous irrigation of air and water is essential to prevent any damage to the tooth pulp. It is necessary to cool not only the operating area, but also the body of the handpiece. With three or four irrigation points it is possible to obtain a consistent spray mist. This allows for efficient cooling and guarantees good visibility over the operating area in all working conditions. Additionally, the spray action efficiently keeps the operating area free of residues produced by the use of the turbine.
Speed adjustment
While the pressure in the tank ranges between 5 and 8 bars, the operating pressure of the dental turbine will reach 2 to 3 bars. By adjusting the operating pressure via the foot control, the dentist gradually reduces or increases the rotation speed.
A dentist turbine: maintenance and cleaning
Lubricate and sterilize; these are the two key operations performed. Following the manufacturer's instructions, we recommend regular lubrication. This helps obtain an instrument that can ensure consistent performance over a longer life span.
There are devices, such as the new Thalya, designed to carry out simple lubrication and purging cycles of the turbine and other rotating instruments, in a fully automated way. The Thalya Plus device also performs cleaning, disinfection and drying before feeding the wrapped instrument to an autoclave. Here the dental turbine is sterilized to complete its reconditioning.
How to choose a dental turbine
The turbine is part of the instrumentation used for a dentist's daily work. Therefore, performance and reliability are essential requirements. Quality instruments should be selected, avoiding cheap dental turbine models.
Construction materials
The material from which the turbine body is made is functional to withstanding the strong dynamic stress undergone by the handpiece. We recommend steel and aluminium alloys as they offer mechanical strength and lightweight at the same time.
Handpiece geometry
Let's now review the shape and geometries of dental turbines. Ideally, the surface should be smooth to facilitate cleaning. Also, the turbine head should be small in size. This improves visibility over the operating area and makes it easier for the dentist to introduce the instrument into the patient's mouth.
Dentist turbine: construction quality
Besides its external design, the construction quality of the turbine must also be considered. If the internal elements have been built with precision mechanics, the handpiece will be virtually vibration-free during use. The quality of the bearings also helps to reduce vibration and consequently, noise. The quality of the bearings, ideally made of ceramic, together with proper lubrication of the handpiece, help to ensure a longer instrument lifespan.
Dental turbine vibration and noise
Vibrations are annoying for users of a handpiece. They will also increase the turbine's operating noise causing discomfort for both the dentist and the patient. Vibrations and high noise levels are indicative of poor quality. In quality turbines, the noise level must be less than 60 dbA to be considered acceptable.
Integrated lighting
Finally, lighting is an important aspect to consider in order to work in optimal conditions. Today, most commercially available turbines integrate an LED light source that reaches the head of the handpiece via optical fibres. Unlike other light sources, LED lights are exceptionally durable and supply white light that does not alter the colour of teeth or tissues.
Stern Weber manufactures powerful and extremely reliable dental turbines. Exclusively equipped with ceramic bearings, they are lower-noise instruments when in operation than many other handpieces.
