As a dentist, there are a lot of things you should know to deliver the best care to your patients. One of those is knowing about the tools that will come in handy during your practice. A slow speed handpiece is an important tool you’ll use often. You might as well know all about it early on!
Just as a pen is mightier than a sword for a writer, the right equipment makes a huge difference to a dentist’s practice. In dentistry, the equipment these professionals use dictates the quality of their service, too.
A poor knowledge of the tool will naturally hinder the quality of service you provide. So, it’s best to master the tool even before holding it to form a connection between the theory and practice. The following article will help you nail exactly that!
What Is a Slow Speed Handpiece?
Slow speed handpieces are handheld motors that are usually air-driven and spin a cutting prophy cup or bur at 10,000 – 50,000 RPM (rotations per minute). They are common in dental clinics, where your dentist or dental hygienist can use them to carry out several tasks.
As the name suggests, these are comparatively slower than similar dental tools and provide better control to the professional during procedures.
They are quite versatile, helping refine cavity preparation and other endodontic and implant procedures with ease.
Other uses of a slow speed handpiece include:
- polishing
- Cleaning
- performing finer procedures that require steady movement (removing stains, etc.)
The handpieces are versatile and can meet the demands of several dental procedures apart from those listed here.
In addition, the choice of either an air-driven or electric slow speed handpiece depends on the dentist’s preference and the procedure’s requirements.
What Role Does a Slow Speed Handpiece Play?
With the help of a slow speed handpiece you can easily perform finer dental procedures even if you are not experienced. Here are some key roles that this equipment plays in your profession:
Polishing and restoring teeth
A common dental procedure that even you may have undergone, polishing teeth and dental restoration. For this simple procedure, you will need the help of a slow speed handpiece among other equipment.
No matter if a tooth filling, natural tooth surfaces, or crowns, this equipment can easily smooth and polish them without damage. This is especially important in aesthetic dentistry when a client comes to you to restore the appearance of their pearly whites.
With this tool, you can achieve a great-looking final result that will double as your business card!
Cleaning and Debridement
Cleaning and debridement are another procedure that is quite common in dental practice, and a slow-speed handpiece saves the day! This tool can help you remove debris and any buildup from the gum and tooth surfaces—from plaque to tartar, none of them stand a chance!
It provides better oral hygiene and overall good oral health by providing the necessary control for precision. With its help, you can ensure there’s no damage to the site of action.
3. Removing decay
Tooth decay is a common occurrence in dental practice that requires precision and care in removing decayed tissue. This is possible through the use of this tool, which helps a dentist precisely remove the decay with a lower RPM.
This is important to ensure the healthy tissue is unaffected, preserving the natural tooth as much as possible.
4. Shaping and Contouring Restorations
A slow speed handpiece comes with removable heads that can perform several tasks besides polishing tooth surfaces. This tool can help professionals shape and contour restorative materials such as crowns or dental fillings.
This tool helps you ensure a comfortable yet exact fit of the patient’s teeth contours. Thus, this equipment helps you achieve the restoration’s functionality and aesthetics.
5. Fine Detail Work
As said before, this tool allows you to perform fine-detail work without breaking a sweat! Dentists commonly use it to perform intricate and detailed work, such as removing excess material from fillings.
With a slow speed handpiece, dentists achieve the necessary precision to work with high levels of accuracy and ensure that they meet quality standards.
5 Advantages of Slow Speed Handpieces
A slow speed handpiece offers numerous advantages, some of which are listed below! These make it an indispensable piece of equipment in modern dental practice. Let’s have a look:
1. Greater Control
With an adjustable rotational speed between 10,000 and 50,000 RPM, this equipment provides great control for the dentist. This control is necessary for performing procedures that require precision and accuracy with no room for damage.
2. Reduced Heat Generation
Most high-speed handpieces generate significant heat, which makes using them for a prolonged period difficult. Hence, a slow speed handpiece helps the dentist ensure the sensitive areas in the patient’s mouth are safe and that they can comfortably work with the tool.
3. Less Vibration
Vibration is a major issue with motors, especially handheld ones. With a slow speed handpiece, you can confidently perform your dental procedures without worrying about vibration.
Their low vibration makes them perfect for a smooth and comfortable experience.
4. Versatility
As evident from the above sections, these pieces of equipment are quite versatile in operation. Their ability to accommodate various attachments, such as polishing cups and burs, allows them to be used in common dental procedures.
This adaptability allows them to be used for a wide range of procedures, from basic cleaning to more complex restorative work.
5. Lower Cost
Given its versatility, a slow speed handpiece is a more cost-effective than a high-speed handpiece. Cost is an important consideration in any profession, and dentistry is no different.
Thus, it is a great choice for any dental practitioner, whether they are just starting their careers or looking to have a well-equipped clinic without breaking the budget!
Types of Slow-Speed Handpieces
Slow-speed handpieces come in various designs, each tailored to different procedures and preferences. The two main types of slow-speed handpieces are:
1. Air-Driven Slow-Speed Handpieces
These equipment runs on compressed air, which makes it lightweight and simple to use. They are a top choice due to their minimal maintenance.
They are common in routine dental practice, where portability and ease of use are important.
2. Electric Slow-Speed Handpieces
The next popular type of slow speed handpiece is an electric one that runs on an electric motor that provides a consistent and controlled speed. Compared to an air-driven handpiece, this one takes the cake for its control.
Moreover, these are quieter and produce less vibration, an added advantage for any dental practitioner. They are also durable and come with a range of speed settings, which is great for any type of fine dental procedure.
How to Maintain a Slow-Speed Handpiece?
Now that you know a lot about this equipment, it is also important to know about its maintenance. This will help ensure longevity and optimal performance in the long run!
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and sterilisation are necessary to prevent debris buildup and maintain the device’s smooth functioning.
1. Cleaning
After each use, it’s important to clean slow-speed handpieces thoroughly to remove dental materials, blood, or other debris. To prevent clogging and wear, use a special cleaning solution and a soft brush.
2. Lubrication
Lubricating the handpiece ensures its internal components remain well-oiled, reducing friction and preventing premature wear. Lubrication is typically done after cleaning and before sterilization.
3. Sterilisation
As with all dental instruments, slow-speed handpieces must be sterilized to prevent the risk of cross-contamination between patients. They are usually sterilized using an autoclave, which uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Choose It For Precision
A slow speed handpiece is essential to any dental practice, providing dentists with the precision and control needed to perform various procedures.
From polishing and cleaning to shaping restorations and removing decay, these handpieces are vital in ensuring dental treatments are safe, effective, and comfortable for patients.
With their versatility, affordability, and ease of use, slow-speed handpieces remain valuable in modern dentistry.
