Providing high-quality dental care is impossible without modern dental equipment, which allows the doctor to perform many manipulations and significantly reduces the labor intensity of work processes in dentistry. At the same time, the equipment of dental offices is designed for maximum convenience not only for the dentist and assistant, but also for the patient.

A dental unit is a fully equipped dental instrument for carrying out all types of medical procedures by a dentist with a place to accommodate the patient while providing him with dental care. All types of medical institutions providing dental care (clinics, hospitals, private dental clinics, etc.) are equipped with this type of dental equipment.

Features of the dental unit

The installation includes a set of dental equipment (instruments, devices), which allows you to provide all types of dental services, namely:

• preparation and filling of hard dental tissues;
• endodontic and orthodontic treatment;
• restoration work;
• prosthetics;
• surgical treatment and tooth extraction;
• aesthetic procedures, etc.

Modern dental units are connected to the utility system (water supply and sewerage), have electric and air drives for operating handpieces, a compressor, are equipped with an air and water cooling system, an aspiration system and other equipment.

Dental unit device

Each installation includes several blocks:

• Dental chair, which consists of a seat, with extensions for legs, backrest, headrests, and armrests. The position of all parts of the chair is adjusted relative to each other using an electric drive and allows you to place the patient in the most convenient position for medical procedures.
• Doctor's block. The control unit can be with top or bottom feed of tools. It includes a water-air gun, a turbine tip, a photopolymerization lamp, and an ultrasonic piezoelectric scaler. Switching on is done using a pedal
• The lighting unit is a lighting system with an LED or halogen lamp, a reflector, a knob (joystick) for adjusting the lighting intensity, and a cooling fan.
• Assistant block. As standard, the installation includes a hydraulic unit and an aspiration system.

Additionally, the dental unit can be equipped with X-ray equipment, a computer and a control system with programming functions, etc.

Dental units can be used to provide therapeutic care and to perform complex surgical interventions. For different types of dental treatment, dental units of various configurations are used. And if a standard set of instruments is used for therapeutic treatment, then the dental unit for surgery must be equipped with equipment for supplying sterile saline solution, a significant speed range (1-30 thousand) with precise and smooth adjustment, a diathermocoagulator, etc.

Therefore, when purchasing equipment in dentistry, you need to take into account not only the financial capabilities of the medical institution, but also how you plan to use the high-tech equipment.

Special equipment and tools are used to prepare carious cavities. A key element of equipment for a modern dental office is the dental unit, which is part of the dentist’s workplace.

Dental unit is a complex of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic elements that converts external energy into the energy of dental instruments and is designed to provide the necessary conditions for dental treatment (Shmigirilov V.M., 2002). Currently, in therapeutic dentistry, universal dental units of domestic and foreign production are most often used.

(see Fig. 28) has an electric and air drive for the operation of the tips, an oil-free compressor, it is connected to the water supply and sewerage system, equipped with an air and driven bur cooling system, an aspiration system (saliva ejector, “vacuum cleaner”), etc. The dental lamp must have sufficient power, and at the same time its light should not cause spontaneous polymerization of light-curing materials. The dental chair should provide comfort for the doctor and the patient during treatment, both when the patient is in a “lying” position and when the patient is in a “sitting” position. In addition, the installations can be equipped with additional devices and equipment: a system for illuminating the carious cavity through the tip, a built-in lamp for the polymerization of light-curing materials, a computer, a radiovisiograph, an endodontic microscope, etc.

The dental unit must meet the following requirements:

• the design of the installation must meet the requirements of ergonomics and maximally correspond to the individual physiological characteristics of the dentist (it must be comfortable for the doctor to work);
• the design of the installation must meet the requirements of a specific treatment process (enough “necessary” functions; no redundant, “superfluous” functions);
• the installation must be convenient and safe for the patient, its appearance and comfort must have a positive effect on the patient’s subjective perception of the quality of the dental care provided to him;
• the cost and design of the installation must correspond to the price category and the general interior of the clinic, as well as the personal taste of the doctor;
• the brand, design and construction of the unit should contribute to enhancing the professional image of the doctor both in the eyes of patients and in the eyes of fellow dentists;
• the installation must be reliable, the risk of equipment failure must be minimal;
• The installation must be easy to repair, it must have accessible service, and the delivery time for spare parts must be minimal.

In accordance with this requirement, when purchasing an installation, it is necessary to provide for the possibility and availability of service, warranty and post-warranty repairs. Dental units currently presented on the Russian market, depending on their configuration, design, clinical capabilities and price group, can be divided into three classes. Let's look at this division using the KaVo dental units as an example.

1. Economy class. The lot class can include installations of relatively low cost, of fairly high quality, limited to the minimum number of functions required by the doctor. In addition, they are convenient for the doctor and patient, functional, and not distinguished by an exclusive or “advanced” design. An example is the “Unik T Standard” (KaVo) installation (see Fig. 29).

Rice. 29. Universal dental unit “Unik T Standart” (KaVo)

2. Business Class. The lot class should include installations of an average price category, of improved quality, allowing you to use any tool and achieve the required adjustments. Such installations have additional functions and are equipped with additional tools (photopolymerization device, ultrasonic piezoelectric scaler, tip illumination, etc.). In addition, such installations are equipped with a more convenient and ergonomic control system with programming functions. An example is the KaVo PRIMUS 1058 S (KaVo) installation (see Fig. 30).

Rice. thirty. Universal business class dental unit “KaVo PRIMUS 1058 S” (KaVo).

3. Elite class. This class includes installations of a high price category, created on the basis of the latest technologies and original engineering and design solutions. Such installations have a number of additional functions, are equipped with additional tools, a computer and a control system with programming functions. The comfort of such installations for the doctor and the patient is increased, they are highly functional, and feature an exclusive, “advanced” design. An example is the KaVo ESTETICA E80 T (KaVo) installation (see Fig. 31)

Rice. 31. Universal dental unit “KaVo ESTETICA E80 T” (KaVo).

The dentist's workplace (see Fig. 32), in addition to the installation, is equipped with a dental chair to accommodate the patient; chairs for the doctor and assistant; furniture for placing instruments, devices, materials and medicines; other equipment depending on the specialization, qualifications, individual preferences of the doctor and the capabilities of the medical institution. The dentist's workplace is equipped in accordance with the principles of ergonomics.

Rice. 32. A dentist's workplace based on a modern universal dental unit.

Modern dental units have different drive types(see Table 7). From the drive, rotation is transmitted via the tip to the cutting tool.

Dental handpiece- this is a tool that directly converts the energy of a compressed air flow, rotation of a micromotor or electric current into the corresponding movements of a working tool (bur, endodontic file, scaler, etc.). The first dental handpiece was created in 1919, the first electric drill appeared in 1926, and the air turbine appeared in 1959.

Rice. 33. Turbine tip

In therapeutic dentistry, turbine, angled and straight handpieces are used to prepare hard dental tissues and process fillings. In a turbine handpiece (Fig. 33), the bur is driven by compressed air, which is supplied to a turbine rotor located inside the handpiece head (Fig. 34).

Currently, turbine handpieces are the most commonly used in therapeutic dentistry. Their main advantage is the high rotation speed of the bur, reaching 160-400 thousand rpm. These tips provide fast and effective preparation of hard tissues, primarily tooth enamel. However, the low mechanical power of the turbine handpiece leads to the fact that an increase in bur pressure on the tissue being treated causes its rotation to slow down or even stop (“jamming”). In addition, it should be remembered that increased lateral loads that occur with excessive pressure on the bur during the preparation process lead to accelerated wear of the rotor group of the turbine handpiece. Reducing the pressure on the drill reduces the efficiency of cutting hard tissue. Therefore, when working with a turbine handpiece, you should constantly monitor the force of pressing on the bur. The force of pressure on the bur should be minimal, similar to stroking. When using a sharp bur and a good condition of the tip, this force is quite sufficient for effective preparation of hard tooth tissues. You should also not exceed the air pressure supplied to the turbine. This, although it increases the speed of preparation, leads to rapid wear of the tip. Another possible problem during the preparation process with a turbine tip is a violation of the cooling regime of the tooth tissue. This can lead to damage to the parietal enamel and dentin (thermal necrosis), burns of the pulp, as well as soft tissues surrounding the tooth. In our deep conviction, preparation of hard tooth tissues without sufficient air-water cooling is unacceptable. The turbine handpiece is connected to the drill through a rubber hose that has a mouthpiece with holes (connector) at the end. The types of connectors most common in our country are presented in Table 8. In addition, there are special adapters that allow you to connect, for example, a “Midwest” tip to a “Borden” connector, etc. Burs for turbine tips have a shank diameter of 1.60 mm (Fig. 35). The burs are fixed in the tip with a collet device or a special key.

Contra-angle tips(Fig. 36) are low speed. Their main feature is the variety of working tools used and types of movements during preparation. A typical micromotor handpiece with 1:1 gearing provides bur rotation speeds from 1,000 to 40,000 rpm. Increasing handpieces with a gear ratio of 1:2-1:10 are also produced, the bur rotation speed in them is 5,000-230,000 rpm. Reduction handpieces typically have a gear ratio of 4:1 and are used primarily in endodontic procedures. The rotation speed of the bur in the reducing handpiece is 10-10,000 rpm.

Rice. 36. Contra-angle handpiece

Straight tips(Fig. 37) have approximately the same speed characteristics as angular ones, however, due to their design features, they allow greater pressure to be applied to the drill without causing vibration of the tool. They are used mainly by oral surgeons, dentists and prosthodontists and dental technicians. Burs for a straight handpiece have a shaft diameter of 2.35 mm (Fig. 35), they are fixed in the handpiece using a collet clamp. The rotating parts of the tips wear out over time. Signs of wear are: the appearance of vibration and beating of the bur during rotation, deterioration of the fixation of the bur in the tip, heating of the tip, and the appearance of unusual sounds during operation. In this case, repair or replacement of the tip is required.

Rice. 37. Straight tip

It is necessary to constantly monitor the technical condition of the tips. Proper care of them is of great importance in ensuring their long-term operation. Handpieces should be cleaned and disinfected after each patient use. It is recommended to lubricate the tips at least twice per shift, on average after seeing 4-5 therapeutic patients and always before sterilization. Lubrication is carried out either with liquid oil using an oil can, or with a special aerosol lubricant under pressure (spray). Using a spray is considered more effective, as it allows not only to lubricate the tip more effectively, but also to remove contaminants from its internal channels. After lubricating, the tips should be stored head down in a special container. You should not leave a lubricated tip on the unit, as this can lead to oil leaking into the micromotor and failure of the latter. Before starting work, excess oil is removed from the surface of the tip, and the tip is “blown”: it is turned on outside the patient’s mouth for 15-20 seconds. It should be remembered that some turbine tips, in order to extend the service life of the rotor group, require an oil supply along with the drive air. When working with such a tip, it is necessary to constantly monitor the presence of oil in a special tank inside the unit and its flow into the compressor. Most modern turbine heads, on the other hand, require no oil in the drive air and the use of oil-free compressors. The high-speed straight handpiece should be stored with the bur clamped into it. This extends the life of the collet. When working with a contra-angle handpiece, you must be careful about inserting the bur into it, since inserting the bur to a shallower depth leads to damage to the locking latch and the need to repair the handpiece. The above recommendations are general in nature. In cases where the manufacturer gives other instructions, you must follow the instructions included with the tip.

Today, a dental unit can be called an integral part of any dental office and dentist’s workplace. Clinic owners often have doubts as soon as they have to choose one. How to choose the right one? What dental units are there?

A dental unit is a system of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic elements designed to convert external energy into the energy of dental instruments necessary for proper treatment.

Patient chair. There are two types of chairs on the market: hydraulic and electromechanical. The latter are distinguished by a higher level of reliability, although their cost is higher. But, if you think about how much you can lose if the chair suddenly breaks, it will immediately become obvious that it is better to choose a more reliable system.

For example, there is a much higher chance that an oil leak will occur in the event of a hydraulic drive malfunction than an electromechanical failure. We also recommend that when choosing a chair, you evaluate such characteristics as the strength of the upholstery material, the number of armrests, and adjustment methods.

Doctor's block. It is considered the main part of the dental unit, but dentist units come in different types. The most common models are those with two types of tool feeds.

Top-fed dental units feature a convenient instrument return system. But because of it, movement is limited by the length of the sleeve, which makes adjustments to the freedom of action of the specialist on the tool table.

Dental units with bottom feeding of instruments are less restrictive for the doctor, but at the same time the doctor is forced to ensure that the tip remains in the socket at all times. Unnoticeable dirt may also accumulate in the cells.

Obviously, the greater number of additional tools included with dental equipment increases its price more. Although it is important to understand that additional sleeves reduce the time spent on work, accordingly increasing the number of clients accepted per shift and the income of dentistry.

The dentist unit can be equipped with the following types of instruments:

• air/electric scaler, micromotor;
• turbine tip;
• additional micromotor or turbine;
• photopolymerizer;
• electrocoagulator.

Such additional equipment is installed if the specialist using it has a need for it. Let's say one system will be used for different types of procedures. Then auxiliary tools will make it possible to positively influence productivity, as well as work time. And for the normal activities of a dental therapist, you will need a set of only 3 hoses: for a turbine, a micromotor and a water-air gun.

Assistant block. This part of the dental unit includes two standard elements: a hydraulic unit and a suction system. The second is necessary to remove saliva, blood, as well as solid particles from the patient’s mouth and there are two types: vacuum and injection. To work with the vacuum option, it is necessary to install a suction separator, while in the case of the injection one, it is important to understand that its operation requires a greater power consumption of the compressor.

Another element of this block, the hydroblock, consists of a spitting bowl and a glass filler. Expensive models are equipped with ceramic spittoon bowls with a rotating mechanism, therefore they are more hygienic and convenient to use. And fixed glass bowls make it possible to reduce the price of a dental unit.

In addition, the hydraulic unit can be equipped with the following additions (it is important to understand that they will increase the cost of the equipment):

• collection of solid particles;
• amalgam separator;
• water and air heating system;
• a hygienic system that allows you to clean the suction hoses;
• a system for disinfecting water and a saline solution supply system.

Expensive dental units have, in addition to the assistant unit, a control panel and tools such as a water-air gun, a light curing lamp, etc.

Control pedals. Today, the number of pedals in installations depends on the planned functionality of the system and directly affects its cost. Two main pedals make it possible to control instruments and the chair in which the patient sits, and additional ones can simplify work and reduce the time spent on the procedure, which, of course, has a positive effect on ergonomics.

• Sterilization equipment for dentistry: selection and placement

Types of dental units

Dental units are conventionally divided into groups, based on a number of characteristics.

1. Location method.

There are settings based on this:

• stationary; installation of such a dental unit requires rigid mounting on the floor;
• portable, where the block module is rigidly connected to the chair.

A mobile complex on wheels and a stable stand with tools make work as convenient as possible. Let's take an example: an autonomous portable dental unit from the Lithuanian company Medica can make changes to less modern units without a turbine. The turbine attachment has a compressor, a voltage stabilizer, a water supply system (0.33 l capacity) and air (pressure in the turbine 0.28-0.35 MPa). There is also a series of similar German mobile turbine units “KaVo Modular”, which have a different number of connected tips, a built-in compressor and a water tank.

2. Number of staff.

These settings can be developed only for a specialist or for his parallel actions with an assistant. The last principle is referred to as “four hands.”

3. Location of the tool block.

Based on the location of this element, we can name 3 main types of dental units:

1. Mobile trolley attachments that provide the simplest and most affordable tool supply option. If necessary, such systems move, are reliable, look good, and are equipped with automated control.
2. Cabinet built-in brackets feed tools from the rear or side. They are considered the most expensive and least mobile system. They can be built into furniture, so that the patient cannot see the instrument from the chair.
3. A table with tools and a halogen lamp mounted on a pantographic holder is not as beautiful as other types and is less stable, but it has a large range of action. It moves without problems both horizontally and vertically, meaning it can be conveniently placed next to the dentist or client. Note that it is equipped with a micromotor speed control system, instrument cooling, and a X-ray viewer that allows you to view X-ray images. There is a lot of free space on the table for tools and semi-finished prostheses.

4. By drive type.

The technical characteristics of the dental unit may correspond to the following types of drives:

• air for installation on the tip sleeve;
• turbine;
• micromotor;
• with built-in air micromotors, fixed to the air hose with a quick connector;
• special purpose (laser, for beam preparation);
• for endodontic work;
• for periodontal work;
• for professional hygiene (removal of dental plaque; whitening with soda under pressure) and removal of artificial crowns and bridges by removing the cement layer;
• electric for installing electric micromotors (brush, brushless) and piezoelectric scalers on them.

To summarize all that has been said, let us give as an illustration the new stationary installation “Doctor” (Brazil). She has:

• top suspension;
• load-bearing hydraulic chair;
• two swivel removable armrests, controls on both sides of the backrest;
• foot control;
• automatic return to its original state;
• joint raising of the seat and lowering of the back;
• lamp (illuminance can be changed in 3 positions: 24 W, 150 W; maximum 25,000 lux);
• rotary hydraulic unit (spittoon, glass filler) of the antiseptic water supply system;
• a doctor's block module with three tips, an air-injection gun;
• assistant's block module, namely an air-jet gun, a saliva ejector, and an ejector-type blood ejector.

Separately, it is necessary to emphasize that today these installations are developed in accordance with the “all in one” rule. Modern information technologies work here (models from Finland, Planmeka), complementing the usual equipment with a display connected to a computer.

In addition, dental units can be divided into three classes based on price.

Economy class. This includes systems of low cost and fairly good quality, but having only the most popular functions. They are convenient for the specialist and the patient, functional, but their design cannot be said to be interesting. This, for example, includes the “Unik T Standard” (KaVo) installation.

Business Class. Here we can name installations of average cost, with improved quality, making it possible to use any tool with the necessary adjustments. They are equipped with additional functions and devices, such as a photopolymerization device, an ultrasonic piezoelectric scaler, tip illumination, etc. Note that they have a more convenient, ergonomic control system with programming functions. For example, the KaVo PRIMUS 1058 S dental unit.

Elite class. This group includes installations that are available for sale at the highest price, developed using the most modern techniques, made using original design and engineering solutions. They have a list of additional functions and tools, and are equipped with a computer and a control system with programming functions. This increases comfort for both participants in the treatment process.

As an example, let’s take the “KaVo ESTETICA E80 T” installation.

• Dentist's office: equipment and necessary equipment
• l>

  Handpieces for dental units

  Such a tip is necessary to convert the energy of a compressed air flow, rotation of a micromotor, and electric current into the movements of an instrument (bur, endodontic file, scaler, etc.). Today, dental units have various types of drives, thanks to which rotation through the tip is transferred to the cutting tool.

  In drills, the rotational movement from the motor to the handpiece is transmitted by the following drives:

  • rigid multi-link transmissions with cords (rigid sleeves);
  • transmissions with flexible wire shafts (flexible hoses);
  • sleeveless gears with pneumatic or electric micromotors mounted on or inside the tip.

  Orthopedic dentistry uses drills with bur rotation speed that can be changed if necessary:

  • low (up to 10,000 rpm);
  • medium (25,000 – 50,000 rpm);
  • high (50,000 – 100,000 rpm);
  • very high (100,000 – 300,000 rpm);
  • ultra-high (more than 300,000 rpm).

  Recently, turbine drills have become widespread, where the electric motor, as the name suggests, is replaced by a small turbine built into the handpiece for dental units. The turbine is driven by compressed air supplied by a compressor. The bur rotation speed is 100,000 – 300,000 rpm. There is no need to apply force when treating a carious cavity or rapid trephination of a tooth with complicated caries. The absence of vibration has a positive effect on the client’s pain level and simplifies and speeds up procedures. Preparation on a turbine drill is carried out with intermittent tangential movements, with mandatory water cooling, aimed at avoiding thermal burns of the pulp.

  A turbine drill operates like this: an electric motor starts a compressor, which creates and maintains a pressure of 4-6 atm in the receiver. The pressure control valve makes it possible to adjust the output pressure to the operating parameters of the turbine tip used (2-3 atm). This indicator is displayed on the pressure gauge. To ensure that the water pressure is equal to the air pressure, the water in the water tank is supported by air pressure from the receiver. Pressing the pedal opens the electro-pneumatic valve, and air and water flow through the turbine hose to the tip. The amount of cooling water and air is regulated using taps.

  During the use of air turbines, both their shortcomings and positive characteristics were discovered.

  Their disadvantages are a consequence of:

  • shortcomings of the rotor mechanism, the turbine cooling system of an old design (create a dangerous noise level of 99 decibels);
  • the likelihood of removing excess volume of hard tissue at increased operating speeds of the instrument;
  • high (up to 245 °C), harmful to tooth tissue, temperature in the treated area;
  • formation during operation of an aerosol cloud, which contains water, microflora, particles of hard and soft tissues, cutting instruments, mucus;
  • the possible retraction of this cloud into the mechanism itself when turned off and the release of this composition into the oral cavity of the next patient.

  The physician must take into account these disadvantages and, if not avoid them, then reduce their exposure. Now let’s turn to the advantages of turbine machines, which set them apart from other dental units:

1. It does not require much effort, therefore the side effects on the pulp and periodontal tissue are significantly reduced.
2. The small size of abrasive tools does not allow hard tissues to overheat due to the reduced contact area of ​​the surfaces. This also has a positive effect on the life of the tool.
3. Reduced discomfort compared to the effects of previously used settings.
4. Speeding up the procedure and improving its quality through automated cooling systems (air/air-water).

Therapeutic dentistry uses turbine, angled and straight handpieces for dental units when working with hard dental tissues and processing fillings. Let's discuss their differences.

IN turbine tip The movement of the bur is carried out by means of compressed air supplied to the turbine rotor located in the head of the handpiece.

Today, this type of handpiece is most in demand in therapeutic dentistry. Its main advantage is considered to be the high rotation speed of the bur (up to 160-400 thousand rpm). With such tips, you can quickly and efficiently process hard tissues, primarily tooth enamel. But due to the low mechanical power of the turbine handpiece, excessive pressure on the tissue by the boron provokes a drop in its rotation speed and subsequent stoppage. Increasing lateral loads associated with strong pressure on the bur are the reason for the rapid breakdown of the rotor group of the turbine handpiece, while a decrease in pressure on the bur reduces the efficiency of cutting hard tissue. That is, when working with a turbine tip, it is important to constantly monitor the intensity of pressure.

Let the pressure on the bur be gentle, like stroking. For good treatment of hard tooth tissues with a sharp bur with a tip in good condition, nothing more is required. It is not necessary to exceed the air pressure supplied to the turbine. Despite the fact that this reduces the time of the operation, it accelerates the wear of the part.

Another difficulty associated with working with a turbine handpiece is a violation of the cooling of tooth tissues, as a result of which the parietal enamel and dentin are injured (thermal necrosis), and burns of the pulp and soft tissues occur. Treatment of hard dental tissues without air-water cooling is unacceptable.

The turbine handpiece is connected to the drill with a rubber hose, the latter has a mouthpiece with holes (connector) at the end. Our common connectors are named below. Note that there are adapters on sale that allow you to connect a “Midwest” tip to a “Borden” connector, etc.

The diameter of the shank of burs for turbine tips is 1.6 mm. The burs are fixed in the tip with a collet device or a key.

Contra-angle tips low speed. Their main advantage is the variety of tools and movements when working with them. The micromotor handpiece with 1:1 gearing produces bur rotation speeds of 1,000 – 40,000 rpm. There are overdrive heads with a gear ratio of 1:2-1:10, which are characterized by 5,000 - 230,000 rpm. A gear ratio of 4:1 is common for reduction handpieces and is suitable for endodontic procedures. Here the bur rotation speed is 10 – 10,000 rpm.

Straight tips have speed characteristics comparable to those of angular ones, but their design allows greater force to be applied to the bur without causing vibration of the tool. They are usually used by dental surgeons, orthopedic dentists, and dental technicians. The burs for the tip have a shaft diameter of 2.35 mm (Fig. 35) and are secured with a collet clamp.

It is important to monitor the condition of handpieces for dental units, because proper care has a serious impact on their service life. After each use, the tips must be cleaned and disinfected. Lubricate the tips at least twice per shift (that is, after serving 4-5 therapeutic patients), and also do this before sterilization. To process the tips, liquid oil from an oil can or aerosol lubricant under pressure is used. The second method is more effective, as it effectively protects the tip and removes contaminants from the internal channels. Lubricated tips are kept head down in a special container. It is dangerous to store a lubricated handpiece on the unit, because oil can get into the micromotor and cause it to break. Before work, the dentist removes excess oil from the tip and “blows through” it by turning it on for 15-20 seconds outside the client’s mouth.

We emphasize that to increase the service life of the rotor group of turbine handpieces, it is necessary to supply oil along with the drive air, that is, during procedures it is important to control the volume of oil in the reservoir of the dental unit and its flow into the compressor. Although today almost all turbine tips operate without oil in the drive air, with oil-free compressors.

The high-speed straight handpiece should be stored with the bur clamped in it to increase the life of the collet.

When working with a contra-angle handpiece, you need to carefully insert the bur into it, since inserting it to an insufficient depth results in damage to the locking latch, as well as the need to repair the handpiece of the dental unit.

Which dental unit to buy: 6 selection criteria

First of all, we will discuss the key points that are important to consider when choosing dental units.

1. Equipment. As we have already said, a dental unit is the main set of equipment designed to carry out various types of dental work: from tooth preparation to complex surgical interventions. That is, the equipment must be selected according to the profile of the planned procedures.

Thus, a dental unit for surgery necessarily has the ability to supply sterile saline solution, a significant range of speeds (1-30 thousand) with precise and smooth adjustment, a diathermocoagulator, etc.

Note that it is much more profitable to purchase a unit with the required configuration than to purchase additional elements later. There are manufacturing companies offering basic dental units with expandable options.

2. Price. In this case, there is only one principle: the price should be comparable to the level of the clinic:

• high class (“KaVo”, “Ritter”, “Sirona”, “A-dec”, “Anthos”, etc.);
• middle class (“OMS”, “A-dec”, “Hallim Dentech”, “Takara Belmont”, “SlovaDent”, “Mediprogress”, “Chiromega”);
• the lower level is cheap Chinese and Brazilian companies.

It is important to remember that when you buy expensive high-tech equipment, you will be forced to pay for its equally expensive maintenance in the future. To work with it, you will need a highly qualified specialist, as well as specific spare parts for dental units. An ordinary dentist may not be ready to work with such equipment, which means that he will have to be provided with additional training.

It is better to avoid purchasing the most affordable installation options in principle, since they often require repairs even during the warranty period, and the upholstery and paint on them quickly wear off and become cracked. Repairing such models turns out to be very difficult, because the majority of the parts are disposable.

3. Reliability, quality, durability. These indicators can be assessed by looking at the quality of the seams and paint application, how the hoses are bent (whether folds appear), etc. It is important to check whether the dental unit meets all quality standards and to check the service life declared by the manufacturer.

4. Service system. It is important that the chosen dental unit has a warranty and post-warranty support, since repairs, spare parts or specialist advice may be needed at any time.

5. Ergonomics. Interaction with the system should be convenient for everyone: the dentist, the assistant, the patient.

6. Aesthetics. The design and color of the dental unit must match the appearance of the room in which it is installed. We recommend that you select an installation before carrying out repairs in the office.

Remember: the list of procedures that you would like to carry out using this system may change the required equipment, and therefore the cost. Of course, any dental unit can be equipped with good equipment. High-priced models have:

• a large number of electronics that are required to measure pressure, control tools, the chair, its parts, and the headrest;
• more extensive programming capabilities;
• the best upholstery materials, hoses, etc.;
• additional convenient functions, which include automatic disinfection of hoses, water heating, and pedal functionality.

But, if you have a middle or economy class office, then we recommend inexpensive installations:

• the lower model range of German “Ritter” installations (“Exellence”, “Superior New” are actually assembled at a plant in Germany in accordance with all requirements and quality standards, but their components are manufactured in China);
• dental units “Fona” (here the situation is the opposite: the units are assembled at a very good Chinese factory from German components, so the equipment is of quite high quality);
• “Premier” dental units (the company is also on the list of leaders in the Asian market and is initially focused on quality).

The main advantage of such installations is that they pay for themselves in about a year, and can easily operate for 5 years. That is, at low costs, dentistry receives very high-quality equipment. If you want the most affordable installation, choose "Azimut" (China) or "Luck" (China).

Recently, they have been in demand, so manufacturing companies have managed to eliminate the inherent shortcomings of these budget options. But if you are looking for a device for a public clinic, then among other models with the same price and other characteristics it is better to choose Slovak technology: “Chiromega”, “SlovaDent”, “Mediprogress”.

The most frequently asked questions from our customers: “How to choose a dental unit?”, “Which options installations to pay attention to?”, “Which dental installations better?", "What dental units more profitable? etc.
Stomatological installation– without a doubt, the most important element of a dental clinic. Therefore, in this article we will try to define clear criteria according to which you can confidently make the right choice. And before looking for the answer to this question, you need to decide what dental unit exactly what you need:

• What dental specialty doctor will work on it ( therapist, surgeon, orthodontist, etc.);
• what is the budget you are ready to allocate for it;
• what installation color is needed; etc.

So let's start with the price

There are currently models on the market that cost from 89,000 rubles to 1,680,000 rubles. Those. the difference is almost 20 times. Naturally, there are serious differences between them in terms of functionality, but no matter what they are, NOT everyone is ready to pay for installation more than one and a half million rubles. The most expensive models, as before, are produced by world famous brands: KaVo (Germany), Ritter (Germany), Sirona (Germany), A-dec(USA), Antos (Italy), etc.

Stomamiddle class technology units everyone also knows: OMS(Italy), Takara Belmont (Japan), a number of models A-dec (USA) etc.

We can confidently include the Korean manufacturer here Hallim Dentech, which has been producing products of a good European level for several years. Slightly below middle class All Slovak manufacturers can be cited: Slovadent, Chiromega, Mediprogress. These are well-known and reliable brands that have another undeniable advantage ( We'll talk about it below). And the lower price range of dental units is these are Chinese and Brazilian manufacturers. And now in exactly this order. And some of the Chinese manufacturers even match the level of European brands.

What are the differences besides the price?

To understand what exactly you need, let’s take a closer look at how the main elements of a dental unit differ: the patient’s chair, the doctor’s unit, the assistant’s unit ( hydraulic unit and suction system) and pedal ( or pedals) doctor. So, patient chair There are two types of chair drives in dental units: hydraulic and electromechanical. In most respects, an electromechanical chair is more reliable. In addition, it is important to pay attention to such parameters as:

• chair cover ( upholstery material, its mechanical and chemical resistance);
• number and type of armrest mechanism;
• chair movement characteristics ( smoothness, number of programs).

Doctor's block This is the main element of the dental unit, which determines the entire work of the doctor. The two most common options are: with upper and lower tool feed. There is also a mobile version of the doctor’s unit, but it is less common. Each of the options has its pros and cons: - when the tool sleeves are located at the top, a convenient mechanism is provided for returning the tool to its original position after use, but rather short sleeves reduce the comfort of work - when the sleeves are located at the bottom, there are no “bars”, but there is a need to ensure that so that the tip does not fall when installed in the socket. Also, subtle dirt may accumulate in the cells.

This is what the doctor's block looks like with bottom feed The doctor’s work is also influenced by how many instruments are on the doctor’s unit. This is directly related to the time required to treat one patient. If there are not enough sleeves, then time is wasted on changing tools. The following instruments can be installed on the dentist element: - air-water pistol ( it usually comes standard) - turbine handpiece - air or electric micromotor - air or electric scaler - second micromotor or turbine - electrocoagulator - photopolymerizer For the usual complex of therapeutic work is sufficient minimum set of tools (the presence of three hoses - for an air-water gun, for a micromotor and for a turbine). Further equipping of the unit with instruments depends on the type of installation, the desire of the doctor and the range of treatment measures he carries out and financial capabilities.

The question is not entirely about installations, but it almost always arises when the need for equipment arises: air or electric motor choose? The criterion is simple - electric motor more power, if you need it then choose it. The same goes for scalers.: Air scalers are, of course, cheaper. And European manufacturers (W&H, KaVo) make them of good quality. However, if you choose Asian manufacturers, then we recommend using piezoelectric ones. Their higher power will greatly save treatment time. Assistant block The assistant block consists of two interconnected elements:

• valve body (with spittoon and cup filler)
• suction systems.

Assistant unit with tools and control panel An additional control panel and various auxiliary tools can also be located on the assistant’s unit. Typically, the assistant's tools and the control panel are carried separately on a movable bracket. Spittoon bowls There are stationary and rotary. They are usually made from ceramics or glass. Ceramic with rotating mechanism, although the most expensive, are comfortable and meet high hygienic requirements. Suction systems necessary for fluid evacuation ( saliva, blood, etc.) and particulate matter ( fragments of teeth, filling materials) from the patient’s oral cavity, there are two types: injection and vacuum. Injection system suction is based on the principles of hydrodynamics: a specially created air flow captures air from a given volume, thereby producing a reverse air flow. When choosing an injection suction system, you must remember that when using air suction, additional air consumption occurs, which affects the compressor power ( the compressor must be selected taking into account the suction systems). Vacuum system suction is based on the creation of vacuum in the system by the compressor. When using a vacuum system, you must use suction separator. In addition to saliva, secretion and blood ejectors, additional instruments can be installed on the assistant’s block: an air-water gun, a light curing lamp, etc.

You can also use additional options in the valve body, which will affect the cost:

• Solids Collector - Separates solids from the water stream and prevents drain clogging.
• Amalgam separator - allows you to retain amalgam and collect it in a separate container.
• Water and air heating system for air-to-water gun
• Hygiene system - monitors the cleaning of the suction hoses
• Disinfecting system - allows you to disinfect incoming water and systems for supplying saline solution or autonomous water to instruments, etc.

Control pedals The pedals can control the following functions:

• patient chair control
• tool management

Dental units use a whole series of pedals: one-, two-, three- and more keyboard pedals. If the installation is intended to perform various types of work, then it is convenient to use a pedal with a wide range of functions.

Universal criteria for choosing a dental unit

That. The required equipment and, accordingly, the price depend on how broad a profile of work you plan to perform on the installation. It is important to understand that all installations can be equipped with good equipment, but expensive models differ:

• more electronics (instrument control, pressure measurement, control of the chair and its individual parts, headrest, programming capabilities)
• higher quality materials (upholstery, hoses, plastic, etc.)
• additional convenient features (automatic disinfection of all hoses, water heating, pedal functionality)

People often come to us specifically with the choice of dental units, because they know that we represent a wide variety of brands ( those. not interested in promoting any one), That's why We can objectively assess the client’s situation and advise what will be beneficial to him. Now we will open several secrets, according to which we offer this or that model to our customers. If you are just opening a middle or economy class office We recommend inexpensive installations:

• lower model range of German Ritter installations ( Excellence, Superior New– they really assembled at the plant in Germany, taking into account all requirements and quality standards, components produced in China are simply used during assembly)
• dental units Fona (the exact opposite situation - at a very good Chinese plant, installations are made from German components, due to which it turns out very high quality equipment )
• Premier dental units (also one of the leaders of the Asian market, initially quality oriented )

The advantage of these installations is that they pay for themselves in an average year, and last about 5 years without problems. And you can get very high-quality equipment with a small investment. If you are looking for the cheapest installations, we recommend:

• Dental units Azimut (China)
• Dental units Luck (China)

Their so many have been purchased in recent years, so manufacturers, following feedback, have corrected all the original defects that were in these budget models. If you choose installation for a public clinic, That ( all other things being equal – price, etc.) we recommend Slovak installations:

• Chiromega dental units
• Dental units Slovadent
• Dental units Mediprogress

for one simple reason: almost all technicians know how to service them, and you will not have any problems with the service. If you are planning to open a high-level office services, or are looking for new good equipment for an already operating private clinic, then for you:

• Dental units A-dec (USA)
• Dental units Takara Belmont (Japan)
• Top models of Ritter dental units (Germany)
• Dental units OMS (Italy)
• Dental units Hallim Dentech (South Korea)

And finally if portable installation is required, then a dental unit from Aseptico (USA) is perfect for you. These are the main recommendations and criteria for choosing equipment such as a dental unit. As for planning the premises, we advise you to think through several options for arranging equipment, because... the installation itself takes up an average of 4-5 m2, but the doctor and assistant must have a large working range, and the patient must have enough space to get to the chair.

Our website presents dental units and additional equipment for them from mid-price manufacturers Takara Belmont (Japan) and OMS (Italy), a wider range of top quality units (Planmeca Finland, KaVo Germany) and equipment sets for them can be seen in our complete price list.

Unit of instruments (“UNIT”) - the main block of the dental unit contains instruments for manipulations in the oral cavity. Can be equipped with a lighting unit for instruments with fiber-optic illuminators.

Depending on the speed of rotation of the bur, motors are divided into:

- Low speed motors- provide rotation speed of the rotary tool from 10,000 to 30,000 rpm.

- High-speed rotary (turbine) tools - provide rotary tool speeds from 300,000 to 500,000 rpm.

- Other tools- scaler (tool for removing dental plaque), polymerization lamp (for polymerization of photopolymers), etc.

- The control unit consists of:

· pedals And

· control panels, serves to control all installation systems (chair position, instrument rotation speed and other parameters).

Hydroblock.

- Spittoon- designed for disposal of saliva and other liquids into the sewer system, equipped with a flushing system.

- Glass shell - Designed for filling a glass with water for rinsing the mouth. Equipped with a filter to purify incoming water.

- Saliva ejector- designed for disposal of saliva and other liquids directly from the patient’s oral cavity into the sewer system.

- Vacuum cleaner- designed for disposal of the aerosol mixture formed in the oral cavity when working with high-speed (turbine) handpieces. It is equipped only with installations that have high-speed tools.

- Water-air pistol- designed for drying with a stream of air and irrigating the oral cavity with water or a water-air mixture.

-Lighting unit - consists of:

· halogen lamp for illuminating the working area and

· bracket, allowing you to raise, lower, rotate in a horizontal plane and hold the lamp in a given position. Surgical units can be equipped with shadowless lamps.

Dental chair - designed to accommodate the patient. Moves in a vertical plane (raises and lowers) to provide a height convenient for the doctor to work. The back of the chair can also be raised and lowered (to give the patient the desired tilt or lying position). The headrest ensures positioning of the patient's head in horizontal and vertical planes.

Compressor - designed to supply compressed air to turbine tips and water-air gun.

Dentist's table - designed to place instruments, instruments and apparatus during work. Equipped with wheels for ease of movement. Recently, the “table-bedside table”, which has several drawers with sets of tools for various manipulations, has become widespread.

Dentist's chair - consists of a soft seat, a semi-lunar back that rotates around the axis of the chair, acting as a support for the back, wheels for easy movement of the chair, a locking device that does not allow the chair to move after the doctor takes a working position. The assistant's chair is 15-20 centimeters higher than the doctor's chair (the assistant looks at the working field without blocking the doctor's view).

Classification of dental units

1. According to the method of location in the office:

· stationary rigidly fixed to the cabinet floor

Dental unit

· portable , in which the medical unit does not have a rigid connection with the chair, which allows it to be positioned most optimally when receiving a patient.

In some cases, a portable unit allows you to upgrade older dental units.

Appearance of a portable installation

2. By the number of service personnel:

· for doctor only;

· for simultaneous work of a doctor and an assistant - the so-called “four hands” working principle.

Dentist's workplace

3. According to the method of arrangement of the tool block:

· mobile carts , are the most simplified and less expensive tool feeding system. They can be moved based on location, operational and aesthetic needs and can be automated.

Appearance of mobile medical modules

· cabinet built-in brackets- suitable for feeding tools from behind and from the side. Brackets are the most expensive and least mobile of all tool feed systems and can be built into furniture. The patient, sitting in a chair, does not see the instrument.

· doctor's table mounted on a pantographic holder with instruments and halogen lamp less aesthetically pleasing compared to other types, but provides a large range of action: the table moves in horizontal and vertical planes, which ensures its convenient location relative to the doctor and patient, and is also equipped negatoscope , to view x-rays.

4. According to the method of attaching the hoses:

· T - type

The modules per unit are arranged vertically - bottom feed.

Dental unit

· S - type

The modules are arranged horizontally - top feed.

5. Depending on the configuration, dental complexes are divided into three main classes:

- economical;

- average;

- high class.

Economy class dental complexes are completed minimum necessary a set of equipment, instruments and accessories that are used to carry out basic therapeutic and orthopedic operations.

The economy class complex includes:

- patient chair; (see below.)

- mounted dental unit;

- clean water system;

- dental compressor;

- doctor's chair.

Mounted dental unit as part of a dental complex, it is designed to carry out therapeutic and orthopedic operations when providing dental care to a patient; it is mounted on the side panel of the chair using a special adapter.

The installation consists of the following main blocks:

Tip holders (turbine tip, micromotor, gun);

Dental lamp;

Spittoons with saliva ejector and foot pedal control;

Water and air supply systems.

Tip holder block includes:

A three-function gun that supplies water, air, or a mixture of both to the tooth treatment area;

Pneumatic turbine tip with a bur rotation speed of at least 300,000 rpm and water-air cooling of the tooth processing area;

- pneumatic micromotor with bur rotation speed up to 20,000 rpm.

Pneumohydraulic equipment providing supply of working and cooling air, as well as cooling water to the tips.

On the block panel knobs for adjusting the spray pattern of the cooling mixture, working air pressure, as well as the main toggle switch for turning the unit into operation are removed. To control the operating air pressure, the unit is equipped with a pressure gauge.

The unit is mounted on a pantograph device, which provides, at the doctor’s discretion, its holding in any position within a range of at least 400 mm vertically and freedom of rotation in two planes.

Dental light unit provides an adjustable degree of illumination of the tooth in the range from 10 to 20 kLx. The lamp is mounted on its own pantograph device, which ensures its movement in three planes and retention in any position chosen by the doctor.

Spittoon block with a saliva ejector and a foot control pedal ensures washing of the bowl of the spittoon, supplying water to a glass for rinsing the patient’s mouth and suctioning saliva during therapeutic or orthopedic operations. Washing the bowl has automatic time adjustment of the flow of water into the bowl, achieved through the use of a pneumatic time relay in the design. The glass is filled with water after pressing the corresponding button.

The design of the saliva ejector has an ejector that runs on compressed air. It is put into operation by pressing the foot pedal. Depending on the impact force, the performance of the saliva ejector is regulated.

All of the above units are mounted on a common rack, which provides the necessary access for maintenance, diagnostics and sanitization.

Clean water system. To increase the durability of the tips and the complex as a whole, as well as to prevent infection of the patient, a system was introduced into the design of the dental unit that supplies clean distilled water to the tips to cool the tooth treatment area, as well as to the dental three-function gun.

Dental compressor designed to supply the dental complex with compressed air purified from chemical and mechanical impurities. The compressor design is equipped with its own system for reducing and purifying air from mechanical inclusions and drip moisture. The compressor is powered from an AC mains voltage of 220 V, frequency 50 Hz. The sound pressure level of a working compressor does not exceed 40 dBA.

Chair for a dentist. The chair includes:

Base;

The stand on which the seat is mounted;

Middle class dental complex.

Dental complex middle class differs from the economical class in that in its design, in addition to the already existing turbine tip and micromotor, there is:

· tip for removing dental plaque , and

· dental polymerizer (halogen lamp for photopolymerization of all types of photosensitive filling, restoration and auxiliary dental materials).

There is a place for an assistant and a block with a gun, as well as a suction system. The chair is not programmable, but can be set from both the operator’s and assistant’s positions. Foot control is a must. The armrests are short. The chair can be rotated. The back of the chair is shortened and narrowed at the bottom.

Middle class dental complex

High class dental complex.

Dental complex high class In addition to the complete set of economical and middle class dental complexes, it includes:

- turbine handpiece with illumination of the tooth treatment area (fiber optics) and with push-button bur fixation;

- hanging table for tools;

- tip sterilization system;

- negatoscope;

- mounted X-ray unit.

The patient chair provides the ability to program the position; has 2 control panels (required foot); short armrests.

KNOW!

The dental unit must have light, mobile, control units for the operator and his assistant located at a convenient height. The hanging table for tools is located at arm's length.

The light source provides illumination of the surgical field, sufficient in area and intensity. The lamp should be easily adjustable in height, angle of inclination, and be well fixed in a given position.

When the chair is raised, all control units, the instrument table and the lamp must move synchronously. Their fixation must be rigid, ensuring the absence of deformation.

1st class (economical) is intended for the work of a doctor without an assistant, the patient is mainly in a sitting position. Such installations are needed for dentists working in rural medical areas in the field.

2nd, 3rd grades involve working with 4 hands with the assistance of an assistant.