Researchers and manufacturers caution against prolonged use of the air polisher on cementum and dentin. When moderate to heavy stain is present on root surfaces, dental hygienists are often faced with the problem of removing it with the least alteration of cementum.
One choice is to leave the stain and explain to the patient that stain is not associated with oral disease and will not harm the teeth or gingiva since it is only a cosmetic concern. To many patients, this is not a viable choice since appearance is considered so important in today's society.
Other choices include removing the stain with a rubber cup polisher and prophylaxis paste; sonic, ultrasonic scalers; Dental Hand Instruments or the air polisher. Wilkins recommends removing as much stain as possible during root planing with curets. However, in one in-vitro study, air polishing was shown to remove less root structure than a curet in simulated three-month recalls for three years. Woodall agrees that the air polisher may be preferable to curets in this situation. Since less root structure(endo equipment) is removed, decreased root-surface sensitivity also may be a benefit.
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.
Effects of air polishing on gold foil, gold castings, porcelain, amalgam, and glass ionomers have been studied. Air polishing of amalgam alloys and other metal restorations has produced a variety of effects, including matte finishes, surface roughness, morphological changes, and structural alterations.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
How to Detect the Situation of Air Compressor
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 dental 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.
Due to problems with piston rings on reciprocating compressors and premature modulation on rotary screw compressors, many compressors don’t produce the CFM flow for which they’ve been rated. Failure in this area may be the result of an inaccurately adjusted valve. Calibration can help verify compressor output.
Air compression equipment should maintain low pressure drop for the duration of its service life. Total pressure drops across system components shouldn’t exceed 15 psi. If pressure loss in your system is more than 10 percent, you should evaluate the distribution system and identify the causes of excessive pressure drops.
Air distribution piping should be large enough in size to minimize this pressure drop. Installing a pressure regulator can limit air demand while reducing maintenance costs and extending tool life. Inlet air filters can prevent the kind of dirt that restricts airflow and causes pressure drops.
The average system loses between 25 to 35 percent to leaks, so cost controls require routine monitoring and repairs. Air leaks can be the largest waste of compressed air energy at a manufacturing plant. For example, an eighth-of-an-inch diameter leak in a 100 psi system can cost more than $12,000 annually in unused energy.
If you don’t have a routine for regular leak inspections, you should put one in place. Maintenance personnel should have proper leak detection equipment. You can test your system with an ultrasonic leak detector during periods of nonproduction to determine overall leak rate by examining air loss from the supply tank. You may need a professional auditor to conduct a thorough leak audit.
Dust or sludge in a compressed air compression system can cause corrosion, which will increase the likelihood of leaks. Keep in mind that fixing a leak may increase system pressure, which means other unnoticeable leaks may grow. It takes routine maintenance to manage and control leaks.
Energy efficient dental 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.
Due to problems with piston rings on reciprocating compressors and premature modulation on rotary screw compressors, many compressors don’t produce the CFM flow for which they’ve been rated. Failure in this area may be the result of an inaccurately adjusted valve. Calibration can help verify compressor output.
Air compression equipment should maintain low pressure drop for the duration of its service life. Total pressure drops across system components shouldn’t exceed 15 psi. If pressure loss in your system is more than 10 percent, you should evaluate the distribution system and identify the causes of excessive pressure drops.
Air distribution piping should be large enough in size to minimize this pressure drop. Installing a pressure regulator can limit air demand while reducing maintenance costs and extending tool life. Inlet air filters can prevent the kind of dirt that restricts airflow and causes pressure drops.
The average system loses between 25 to 35 percent to leaks, so cost controls require routine monitoring and repairs. Air leaks can be the largest waste of compressed air energy at a manufacturing plant. For example, an eighth-of-an-inch diameter leak in a 100 psi system can cost more than $12,000 annually in unused energy.
If you don’t have a routine for regular leak inspections, you should put one in place. Maintenance personnel should have proper leak detection equipment. You can test your system with an ultrasonic leak detector during periods of nonproduction to determine overall leak rate by examining air loss from the supply tank. You may need a professional auditor to conduct a thorough leak audit.
Dust or sludge in a compressed air compression system can cause corrosion, which will increase the likelihood of leaks. Keep in mind that fixing a leak may increase system pressure, which means other unnoticeable leaks may grow. It takes routine maintenance to manage and control leaks.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
The News of Dental Implant
If you have one or more missing teeth, or have broken or decayed teeth that might be beyond repair, implants are usually the answer. If you’re uncomfortable with your dentures, partial denture, or bridge, you could benefit from dental implant technology.
In the past, patients with insufficient bone or who had certain health conditions or habits were not considered candidates for implants. Advances in diagnostics and bone reconstruction have made it so that most patients can receive implants.
Up until fairly recently, most dentists relied on procedures such as root canals, bridges and the use of dentures as the best methods of fixing lost or broken teeth. While these methods have always been effective in some cases, for many people they did not provide a viable, long-term solution. Root canals( endo equipment ) and bridges fail over time and dentures have proven to be uncomfortable and cumbersome to wear and use for many people. It is only through the development of methods, tools and technology that a better way to replace damaged or lost teeth has come along.
One of the biggest advantages of an dental implant is that it restores full chewing power. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implant tooth( dental implant motor ). They can eat with it completely normally, and they can brush and floss normally as well.
Where there is no tooth, the jaw bone in the empty space deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. If no implant is placed in the first year of losing a tooth, that bone area loses 25% of its volume, and bone loss continues over the years.
Dentures can even accelerate bone loss as they often become loose, and then rub against the bony ridge, gradually wearing it away. Because an implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, and chewing is restored to normal, it provides the needed stimulation for natural bone growth.
In the past, patients with insufficient bone or who had certain health conditions or habits were not considered candidates for implants. Advances in diagnostics and bone reconstruction have made it so that most patients can receive implants.
Up until fairly recently, most dentists relied on procedures such as root canals, bridges and the use of dentures as the best methods of fixing lost or broken teeth. While these methods have always been effective in some cases, for many people they did not provide a viable, long-term solution. Root canals( endo equipment ) and bridges fail over time and dentures have proven to be uncomfortable and cumbersome to wear and use for many people. It is only through the development of methods, tools and technology that a better way to replace damaged or lost teeth has come along.
One of the biggest advantages of an dental implant is that it restores full chewing power. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and the implant tooth( dental implant motor ). They can eat with it completely normally, and they can brush and floss normally as well.
Where there is no tooth, the jaw bone in the empty space deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. If no implant is placed in the first year of losing a tooth, that bone area loses 25% of its volume, and bone loss continues over the years.
Dentures can even accelerate bone loss as they often become loose, and then rub against the bony ridge, gradually wearing it away. Because an implant replaces the root as well as the tooth, and chewing is restored to normal, it provides the needed stimulation for natural bone growth.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Dental Curing Lights and Your Vision
When dentists or any member of a dental team uses dental curing lights, protective eyewear or a shield to cover the light-curing unit (LCU) is a must. The Orbiter allows dental professionals to cure resin-based composite restorations and sealants in a manner that provides safety for your eyes and convenient treatment.
Light with wavelengths of less than 500nm, also known as near ultraviolet or blue light, has been shown to cumulatively harm the eye’s retina and decrease the ability of the macular region of the retina to provide sharp vision. This light may also be connected to the formation of cataracts.
The retina is located at the back of the eye and covers about 65 percent of the interior surface. Rods and cones are the photosensitive cells in the retina that convert light energy into signals that travel along the optic nerve to the brain. In senile or age-related macular degeneration, the eye’s macula begins to breakdown and can lead to blurriness or dark areas in your central vision. The macula is a small area in the retina that allows you to see fine details clearly.
Resin-based restorations and dental sealants are cured by light in the 370nm to 470nm range. Reliable research shows that this area below the 500nm range can be harmful to vision. Therefore, the use of appropriate eye protection or a shield when operating a dental curing light is essential. Any protection should filter out the majority of light that is less than 500nm.
The filter material that is used in The Orbiter blocks approximately 99.8 percent of harmful near ultraviolet and blue light. In addition, because of The Orbiter’s counterweight design, the shield constantly readjusts itself to the upright position as you change the angle of the unit to cure different surfaces or different restorations. Thus, The Orbiter positions itself so that the user does not need to interrupt his or her work to adjust the shield.
For more information, please visit: https://www.oyodental.com
Light with wavelengths of less than 500nm, also known as near ultraviolet or blue light, has been shown to cumulatively harm the eye’s retina and decrease the ability of the macular region of the retina to provide sharp vision. This light may also be connected to the formation of cataracts.
The retina is located at the back of the eye and covers about 65 percent of the interior surface. Rods and cones are the photosensitive cells in the retina that convert light energy into signals that travel along the optic nerve to the brain. In senile or age-related macular degeneration, the eye’s macula begins to breakdown and can lead to blurriness or dark areas in your central vision. The macula is a small area in the retina that allows you to see fine details clearly.
Resin-based restorations and dental sealants are cured by light in the 370nm to 470nm range. Reliable research shows that this area below the 500nm range can be harmful to vision. Therefore, the use of appropriate eye protection or a shield when operating a dental curing light is essential. Any protection should filter out the majority of light that is less than 500nm.
The filter material that is used in The Orbiter blocks approximately 99.8 percent of harmful near ultraviolet and blue light. In addition, because of The Orbiter’s counterweight design, the shield constantly readjusts itself to the upright position as you change the angle of the unit to cure different surfaces or different restorations. Thus, The Orbiter positions itself so that the user does not need to interrupt his or her work to adjust the shield.
For more information, please visit: https://www.oyodental.com
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
How to Select a Dental Curing Light
The selection of a dental curing light that fits your style of practicing remains one of the most important 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.
Types of Curing Lights
Halogen
Use a halogen bulb as the source of light.
+ Reliable – long track record
+ Cures all materials due to wide bandwidth (400nm-510nm)
– Requires a cord due to power consumption
– Cooling fans are necessary and can be noisy
Plasma Arc
Bulb is really an aluminum oxide, high pressure vessel, which contains highly energized xenon gas (plasma) under 150psi. The inside shape is specific to reflect light arcing between two electrodes. Arc is only about 1mm long, enabling a very focused beam.
+ Very fast (when a small tip is used)
– Expensive
– Large base units
– May not cure all materials
– Requires a cord that may be liquid-filled, may be stiff, and can degenerate over time
Argon Laser
Generates light when energy is applied to an atom raising an electron to a higher, unstable energy level. Electron will return to stable level by releasing light through a medium of argon gas.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Special diodes (electronic devices that restrict current flow chiefly to one direction) that emit light when connected in a circuit.
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.
Types of Curing Lights
Halogen
Use a halogen bulb as the source of light.
+ Reliable – long track record
+ Cures all materials due to wide bandwidth (400nm-510nm)
– Requires a cord due to power consumption
– Cooling fans are necessary and can be noisy
Plasma Arc
Bulb is really an aluminum oxide, high pressure vessel, which contains highly energized xenon gas (plasma) under 150psi. The inside shape is specific to reflect light arcing between two electrodes. Arc is only about 1mm long, enabling a very focused beam.
+ Very fast (when a small tip is used)
– Expensive
– Large base units
– May not cure all materials
– Requires a cord that may be liquid-filled, may be stiff, and can degenerate over time
Argon Laser
Generates light when energy is applied to an atom raising an electron to a higher, unstable energy level. Electron will return to stable level by releasing light through a medium of argon gas.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Special diodes (electronic devices that restrict current flow chiefly to one direction) that emit light when connected in a circuit.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
How to Use Dental Intraoral Camera Effectively
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. 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.
When representatives from the different companies come into the office for a demonstration, insist that the camera you’re considering be left with you for 24 to 48 hours. The trained representative makes working it look easy and teams who make a decision after a one- to two-hour demo find themselves frustrated when it arrives and the excitement dissipates. Having the camera in the office for a day or two gives team members a chance to familiarize themselves with the technology and see how well it integrates with the office software.
Not only can you use your wireless dental intraoral camera to diagnose and support necessary treatment, it can also build rapport and strengthen opportunity for future esthetic care with your patients. Use your intraoral camera proactively in the following ways:
Offset buyer's remorse by showing patients a recently restored tooth compared to a tooth in their mouth that needs similar treatment.
Show an image of the smile and ask patients what their thoughts are. If a patient is happy with his or her smile, great! This is your chance to explain the benefits of the current interval of care to maintain it. If someone is not happy, find out why, their wants, and what they would change about their smile if they could.
The business team can use these images during case presentation as well. Sending patients home with an image of a diagnosed condition attached to a treatment plan is beneficial when they are not the decision maker.
As you can see, the implementation takes time, strategy and effort. Preplanning and developing protocol will help you achieve results and improve treatment acceptance by 25%. The camera will pay for itself. Take the time to maximize it, do what it takes to get everyone on the team on board, and you will see this technology pay for itself over and over again.
When representatives from the different companies come into the office for a demonstration, insist that the camera you’re considering be left with you for 24 to 48 hours. The trained representative makes working it look easy and teams who make a decision after a one- to two-hour demo find themselves frustrated when it arrives and the excitement dissipates. Having the camera in the office for a day or two gives team members a chance to familiarize themselves with the technology and see how well it integrates with the office software.
Not only can you use your wireless dental intraoral camera to diagnose and support necessary treatment, it can also build rapport and strengthen opportunity for future esthetic care with your patients. Use your intraoral camera proactively in the following ways:
Offset buyer's remorse by showing patients a recently restored tooth compared to a tooth in their mouth that needs similar treatment.
Show an image of the smile and ask patients what their thoughts are. If a patient is happy with his or her smile, great! This is your chance to explain the benefits of the current interval of care to maintain it. If someone is not happy, find out why, their wants, and what they would change about their smile if they could.
The business team can use these images during case presentation as well. Sending patients home with an image of a diagnosed condition attached to a treatment plan is beneficial when they are not the decision maker.
As you can see, the implementation takes time, strategy and effort. Preplanning and developing protocol will help you achieve results and improve treatment acceptance by 25%. The camera will pay for itself. Take the time to maximize it, do what it takes to get everyone on the team on board, and you will see this technology pay for itself over and over again.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
The Different Types of Portable Dental X Rays
An x-ray machine is commonly used piece of dental equipment in a dental office. The purpose of these machines is to see things that are not visible by visual examination of the mouth alone. Dentists can use the images produced to see the teeth as well as the bones and soft tissues around them.
If a digital radiograph is not available, there are three different types of dental x ray machine portable that are used. Extraoral imaging takes pictures from outside the mouth, intraoral imaging involves taking pictures from within the oral structure, and panoramic x rays involve a machine that takes pictures around the entire head. These machines are used for different purposes.
One type of portable dental x ray is small, light, cordless and hand-held and can travel almost anywhere considering its compact size. This type of machine is an option for almost every patient, however, it's especially useful for occasionally restless patients, such as young children, who require constant supervision and a quick x ray. It can also be a better option to use in small spaces. The device works on battery so it's important to have extras on hand in addition to a fully charged battery upon arrival regardless of where the patients are.
The other type of portable dental x ray is one that uses a power cord and is slightly larger and heavier than the hand-held device; it's also typically more durable. Each comes with a stand, which some dentists might find to be more comfortable and easier to use than a hand-held device. Some may also be able to operate as a hand-held device when using a stand isn't necessary. This type is a good option for dentists who prefer to have the features of each type.
The portable dental x ray is not only useful to patients, but also to dentists who want to be able to help patients who don't have immediate access to a dental office. Without the device, there is no doubt that quite a few individuals would go without knowing the cause of their tooth pain. Though it doesn't mean they'll seek immediate dental care, it at least increases the chances depending on the results of the x rays.
If a digital radiograph is not available, there are three different types of dental x ray machine portable that are used. Extraoral imaging takes pictures from outside the mouth, intraoral imaging involves taking pictures from within the oral structure, and panoramic x rays involve a machine that takes pictures around the entire head. These machines are used for different purposes.
One type of portable dental x ray is small, light, cordless and hand-held and can travel almost anywhere considering its compact size. This type of machine is an option for almost every patient, however, it's especially useful for occasionally restless patients, such as young children, who require constant supervision and a quick x ray. It can also be a better option to use in small spaces. The device works on battery so it's important to have extras on hand in addition to a fully charged battery upon arrival regardless of where the patients are.
The other type of portable dental x ray is one that uses a power cord and is slightly larger and heavier than the hand-held device; it's also typically more durable. Each comes with a stand, which some dentists might find to be more comfortable and easier to use than a hand-held device. Some may also be able to operate as a hand-held device when using a stand isn't necessary. This type is a good option for dentists who prefer to have the features of each type.
The portable dental x ray is not only useful to patients, but also to dentists who want to be able to help patients who don't have immediate access to a dental office. Without the device, there is no doubt that quite a few individuals would go without knowing the cause of their tooth pain. Though it doesn't mean they'll seek immediate dental care, it at least increases the chances depending on the results of the x rays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)