Dental handpiece

Dental Handpiece

A dental handpiece is a precision tool used by dentists to perform various procedures involving the removal, shaping, and polishing of tooth material. The evolution of the dental handpiece has significantly impacted the field of dentistry, making dental procedures faster, more efficient, and less painful for patients.

Types of Dental Handpieces

There are primarily two types of dental handpieces: the High-speed Handpiece and the Low-speed Handpiece.

High-speed Handpiece

The high-speed handpiece, also known as the air turbine handpiece, operates at speeds up to 400,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). It is primarily used for cutting tooth structure and old restorations, including amalgam and composite. The high-speed handpiece utilizes air pressure to drive the turbine, which in turn rotates the bur (drill bit).

Low-speed Handpiece

The low-speed handpiece operates at speeds ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 RPM. It is versatile, used for removing decay, polishing fillings, and adjusting prostheses and crowns. Low-speed handpieces can be driven by air or electric motors and may come with attachments for different tasks, including endodontic procedures.

Components

A dental handpiece typically consists of a handle, a head that holds the bur, and a connection to the power source. Modern handpieces are designed to be ergonomic, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. They also feature a chuck mechanism for easy changing of burs and may include fiber optic lights for improved visibility.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of dental handpieces. This includes regular cleaning, lubrication, and sterilization to prevent the spread of infection. Many dental handpieces are now autoclavable, allowing them to be sterilized in an autoclave without damaging the internal components.

Innovation and Technology

Advancements in technology have led to the development of electric handpieces, which offer more torque and smoother operation than traditional air-driven models. Additionally, innovations such as ultrasonic handpieces are used in periodontal therapy and endodontic procedures to remove calculus and clean root canals, respectively.

Conclusion

The dental handpiece is an indispensable tool in modern dentistry, enabling dentists to perform a wide range of procedures with precision and efficiency. Ongoing advancements in technology continue to enhance its functionality and improve patient care.

Dental handpiece Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski