Electric handpieces are a crucial tool in the dental industry. They are used for a variety of dental procedures, including cavity preparation, crown and bridge removal, and tooth restoration. These handpieces are designed to make dental procedures easier, faster, and more efficient. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these handpieces, how they work, their benefits, and why they are an essential tool for dentists.
How Electric Handpieces Work:
These handpieces are powered by a motor, which is typically located in the base of the handpiece. The motor spins a small, disposable bur or bit that is used to remove tooth material. The bur or bit is attached to the handpiece via a chuck or collet that holds it in place. The speed and torque of the handpiece can be controlled by the dentist, allowing for greater precision during procedures.
Benefits of Electric Handpieces:
There are several benefits to using electric handpieces over traditional air-driven handpieces. For starters, these handpieces are typically faster and more efficient than air-driven handpieces. They are also quieter, which can make dental procedures more comfortable for patients. These handpieces generate less heat, which can reduce the risk of tooth damage and make procedures less painful. They are also more ergonomic, which can reduce hand fatigue and strain for the dentist.
These handpieces are also more versatile than air-driven handpieces. They can be used for a wider range of procedures, including endodontic procedures and implant placement. They are also better suited for working with hard materials, such as metal or ceramic, which can be difficult to cut with air-driven handpieces.
Finally, these handpieces are more environmentally friendly than air-driven handpieces. Air-driven handpieces require a constant supply of compressed air, which can be costly and environmentally harmful. These handpieces, on the other hand, require only electricity to operate, which is readily available and less harmful to the environment.
Types of Electric Handpieces
Highspeed Handpieces
These handpieces are designed for cutting tooth material quickly and efficiently. They typically spin at speeds between 200,000 and 400,000 RPM and are used for procedures such as cavity preparation and crown and bridge removal.
Lowspeed Handpieces
These handpieces are designed for polishing and finishing procedures. They typically spin at speeds between 5,000 and 40,000 RPM and are used for procedures such as prophylaxis and orthodontic bracket placement.
Surgical Handpieces
These handpieces are designed for oral surgery procedures, such as extraction and implant placement. They typically have higher torque and lower speed than high-speed handpieces and are better suited for cutting hard materials.
Choosing the Right Electric Handpiece
Choosing the right handpiece depends on the procedure being performed. High-speed handpieces are ideal for cutting tooth material quickly and efficiently, while low-speed handpieces are better suited for polishing and finishing procedures. Surgical handpieces are designed for oral surgery procedures and are better suited for cutting hard materials such as bone.
Other factors to consider when choosing a handpiece include speed, torque, and ergonomics. It’s important to choose a handpiece that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. Handpieces with adjustable speed and torque settings can be helpful for achieving greater precision during procedures.
Pros vs Cons of Electric Handpieces
Pros
Consistent and Precise Speed: Electric handpieces offer a consistent and precise speed, which is not possible with traditional dental drills. This is because the electric motor generates a constant speed, regardless of the pressure applied to the handpiece. This allows for more precise cutting and reduces the risk of damage to healthy tooth structure.
Wider Range of Speed Options: Electric handpieces offer a wider range of speed options, which allows dental professionals to choose the best speed for a particular procedure. This range of speed options is not possible with traditional dental drills.
Less Noise and Vibration: Electric handpieces generate less noise and vibration than traditional dental drills, which improves the patient’s comfort level during the procedure.
More Efficient: Electric handpieces are more efficient than traditional dental drills, which means that they require less time to complete a procedure. This reduces the amount of time that the patient spends in the dental chair, and also increases the number of procedures that can be completed in a day.
Cons
Cost: Electric handpieces are more expensive than traditional dental drills, which can be a barrier to adoption for some dental practices.
Maintenance: Electric handpieces require more maintenance than traditional dental drills, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Heat Generation: Electric handpieces generate more heat than traditional dental drills, which can cause discomfort for the patient and damage to the tooth structure.
Limited Range of Motion: Electric handpieces have a limited range of motion, which can make it difficult to reach certain areas of the mouth.
Electric handpieces are becoming the preferred choice for many dental professionals due to their consistent and precise speed, wider range of speed options, lighter and more ergonomic design, and improved efficiency. Although electric handpieces are more expensive and require more maintenance than traditional dental drills, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that electric handpieces will become even more sophisticated and user-friendly, further cementing their place as the future of dental drilling.
