Electric Handpieces: Tools To Enhance Your Skill and Practice

By doing your homework, the purchase of an electric handpiece can provide a user-friendly experience that will not only benefit the patient, but also compensate the woman dentist ergonomically, professionally, and financially.

Manufacturers are utilizing technology and trends to advance the science of electric handpieces. Ironically, in Europe, electric handpieces are the mainstay of dental practices, yet in our country only an estimated 8 to 10 percent of clinicians operate with electric handpieces. And furthermore, a recent manufacturer survey yielded that 75 percent of U.S. dentists are considering the purchase of an electric handpiece. The differences formulate early with dental school education, and then magnify with intrigue and time. Those clinicians who ask what else works, what is out there to help do the job better, and how it can be incorporated into their practice ultimately become users.

Electric handpiece users will tell you what was once a routine crown preparation now becomes a new level of performance and precision. The tool enhanced their skill. Just what are the differences that define electric from air-driven equipment? Why would you consider switching your “system”? And finally, what features should you look for in your quest for restorative delivery excellence?

As women dentists constantly define their practice of restorative dentistry, one of the key elements integral to the progression of excellence in patient care and necessary for advancement of the practitioner’s skill is the use of electric handpieces. The decision to use an electric handpiece is one of refinement and appreciation.

Simply put

Today, electric handpiece technology is comprised of three main components: the electric motor, the control unit, and the handpiece. Electric handpiece systems easily integrate with existing air-driven systems. An air compressor hook-up is necessary for air to atomize the water through the port(s). Most units contain some type of internal fiber-optic light source and run off the existing foot pedal or rheostat. An electric power source is also required. The manufacturer should advise about sterilization recommendations.

Figure 4

Looking inside these practice workhorses, you will find a mechanical marvel, starting with the electric motor. The majority of motor designs employ a metal-to-metal mechanism that yields constant torque, low noise, and no vibration. Motors create a power source that, as more energy is needed to remove tooth structure, increases by utilizing torque. The principle of torque is unique to electric handpieces in that it allows concentric cutting, increased precision (especially margins), and less “chattering” or tearing of tooth structure. Apply these factors to a woman dentist’s practice and the benefits will be experienced not only by the clinician, but by the patient. Extrapolate these features to multiple crown preparations and the woman dentist will quickly notice less hand fatigue, more consistent and efficient tooth preparation, and easier-to-attain margins with greater control. Motor speeds generally range up to 40,000 rpm.

The control unit is responsible for evenly distributing power to the electric motor. These units may be purchased as a separate control box, placed as a remote or satellite, or built-in to the delivery system of choice. Control units have a variety of display panels that range from digital to touch screen. Preset speeds allow the clinician to individualize the programmable settings, thus customizing the unit to the operator’s practice style. The control units also allow water spray to be regulated from the main delivery system, and in some units, water spray may be adjusted from the base of the motor.

Courtesy of Sirona Dental Systems, LLC

Attachments complete the electric handpiece system. Various attachments are available to provide speed ranges from 100 rpm to 200,000 rpm and relate to high-speed, low-speed, and hygiene applications. Gear reductions range from 1:5 speed (high-speed application) to 1:1 speed (caries removal and preparation refinement) to 10:1 (endodontic applications, composite polishing, and deep caries removal), ending at a 16:1 speed.

A new approach

For women dentists, career demands encourage us to review how we approach our profession and what tools are most appropriately fitted to our practice style, hand size, and comfort (Figure 1). For the practitioner who wants to finesse restorative dentistry in addition to respecting ergonomics, electric handpieces should be a consideration.

Most clinicians share several immediate reactions to operating with an electric handpiece. There is a slight learning curve of usually two days, prep time is reduced, and patients notice the quieter procedures. Also, these handpieces require minimal maintenance. In addition, users report a 12-to-18-month maintenance check-up to clean the motor mechanism. One must compare that difference to traditional air-driven turbine upkeep and O-ring placements.

To fully experience the benefits of an electric handpiece, ask your dental rep to demonstrate the product in your office. Request a three-to-four-day trial period to become familiar with the handpiece’s nuances. Take the handpiece through your paces and make sure you understand how all the attachments work and their features. Pay attention to hard-to-access areas, rest points, and drill head angles (Figure 2). Evaluate the water spray and fiber-optic illumination as well.

Stamp of approval

There are many features to consider once you have decided to purchase an electric handpiece. Bear in mind the ergonomic and economic benefits. Once thought to be heavy and cumbersome, newer models are sleeker, lighter, and more balanced. Specifically, the electric motor portion is shorter; therefore, the handpiece balances much easier in a woman dentist’s hand. This design improvement provides a better “cradle” for a smaller hand (Figures 3 and 4), thus creating more operator comfort. Fatigue is not a factor due to comfort and drill strength/power.

Economics is the other side of the coin. Yes, electric handpieces are more expensive than traditional air-driven products; however, manufacturers and clinicians offset that thinking with the efficiency in which electric handpieces function. Some early studies suggest that the clinician experiences a time savings of approximately 30 percent while using an electric handpiece. Finally, compare warranty offerings. Most range from three to five years and insist on a maintenance track record from the manufacturer for reliability.

In essence, by doing your homework, your new purchase can provide a user-friendly experience that will not only benefit the patient, but also compensate the woman dentist ergonomically, professionally, and financially.

Lori Trost, DMD

Dr. Trost is the managing editor of Woman Dentist Journal. She created the Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Columbia, Ill., in 1989. Her practice is known for being in the technological forefront. She is a member of the ADA and AGD. You may contact Dr. Trost at [email protected].