Tag Archives: dental compressor

dental equipment

What is a Dental Compressor Exactly

A dental air compressor should be equipped with an compressed air dryer. There are different types of air dryers available, mainly refrigerated and desiccant. But I would recommend the adsorption air dryer (also called desiccant compressed air dryer).

Refrigerated compressed air dryers will only give you a pressure dew point of minimum 2 degrees. This means that below two degrees, water condensate will form on the inside of your dental equipment. This kind of dewpoint is nice for tools and grinders in a workshop, but is not low enough for a dental compressor.

Desiccant compressed air dryers will create a much lower pressure dewpoint, as low as minus 40 degrees or more. This means that the relative humidity in the compressed air system, and the absolute amount of water in the air (grams/m3) is also very low.

With such a low relative humidity and a completely dry air receiver and piping system, the chance of bacteria grow is very low.
What other features does a dental compressor need to have?

Besides producing clean air (no oil, no water), a dental compressor has some other features that are a must-have for many dentists.

As they are installed in a clean clinic, in a office-like environment (as opposed to an industrial environment), the compressor needs to be quiet, small and work on a standard 220 / 100 volt power outlet.

As the dentist will be busy with its everyday job of fixing peoples teeth, he won’t be very concerned with compressor maintenance. So a maintenance free compressor would be ideal.

When buying a compressor, also make sure that the output (the amount of air it can produce per minute or hour) is right for you. A too-small compressor will give you problem for the obvious reason that the pressure will drop when too many people use air at once.

But a too big compressor can also cause problems. If the compressor is so big that it only runs for 5 minutes a day, every other day, than problems with corrosion can occur, as the compressor never gets the chance to run for some time and get hot. It’s like when you lie in your bed all day for a year… you’ll get slow, lazy, tired.

The quality of the air produced is as good as the quality of the air that is sucked in. In a hot, damp boiler room, or in a cold and damp basement, the chances of dirt water an bacteria growth in the compressed air system is much higher.

Install the compressor in a place where it can suck in clean air and where you can easily reach it for maintenance. Dental compressors are so quiet nowadays, that there is no need to hide it in the basement anymore.

dental equipment

How Can You Choose a Good Dental Air Compressor

The dental air compressor is most likely not your main concern when going to the dentist for your yearly check. But studies have shown that the air that your dentist uses to blow dry your teeth isn’t always very healthy for you.

Air compressors are a vital piece of any dental office, since they power many of the most important tools. Selecting the right compressor can help you build a practice poised for growth, while choosing poorly could potentially expose your patients to harm. While using a specific type of air compressor does not guarantee pathogens are not present, it does help to select a compressor that will provide the best air quality possible.

When you’re using a poor-quality air compressor system that delivers either dirty air or an air compressor that delivers air at a lower pressure than required, you’ll see low-quality or even no operation of these devices. If air pressure is good, but the air itself is unclean, then you’re risking internal damage to those units, reducing their overall lifespan.

The biggest concern is moist air that can harm delicate internal machinery and quickly make your tools unusable. Moisture can lead to corrosion, microorganism contamination and decrease the precision of your tools. For those who select a low-quality air compressor, a common issue is carbon buildup that poses an even greater danger to the machinery in handpieces.

Electric dental handpieces also tend to have a greater cost and a higher number of parts that you’ll need to maintain, while air-driven pieces can be obtained in full, often for less than $1,000. Air-driven handpieces also tend to be lighter and easier to handle, with the latest innovations providing greater torque so you can use them for many applications over a longer period of time.

Because you’re working with an oil-free compressor, you may also face louder compression cycles. The good news is that most dental offices are using compressors small enough to be fitted with filter silencers, significantly reducing the noise your unit will make.

Silencers can make sure the environment stays enjoyable for your patients and staff, so they can continue to operate without any safety equipment and so that you’re not creating an environment with any long-term risks related to your use of compressed air.

Oil-less compressors also tend to generate higher heat outputs and have a greater possibility of creating condensation, so they need plenty of room to vent and have air circulate around them. This is typically good news, because it means there is usually enough space to install silencers and covers which can reduce noise, while ensuring the proper breathing room for a full-functioning air compressor.

Sound covers and exhaust/vent silencers tend to come with their own warranty, so working with a reputable dealer can ensure your equipment is properly installed, maintained, and protected for its useful life.