Handpiece Heros
This is the most frequently utilized device in the field of restorative dentistry.
What is the Dental Handpiece?
This conservative technique uses a high-pressure delivery of aluminum oxide particles to remove external stains and prepare cavities, often eliminating the need for local anesthesia.
What is air abrasion?
This short, smooth shank is held in place by a chuck in the high-speed handpiece using friction.
What is a friction-grip shank?
These are rotary instruments made of steel or tungsten carbide that have sharp cutting blades.
What are burs?
Because they contact blood and saliva, handpieces are classified as this type of instrument.
What is a critical instrument?
This handpiece uses an air-driven turbine to reach speeds up to 450,000 rpm.
What is the high-speed handpiece?
This handpiece uses sound vibrations and water energy to "vibrate" calculus off the teeth.
What is the ultrasonic handpiece?
This type of shank features a small groove at the end that locks into a low-speed contra-angle.
What is a latch-type shank?
A bur with the number 557 belongs to this category, used for forming internal walls.
What is a straight fissure cross-cut bur?
While common in the lab, these rotary instruments are known for being expensive compared to steel burs.
What are diamond rotary instruments?
Often referred to as the "workhorse," this motor can be used with straight, contra-angle, or prophy attachments.
What is the low-speed motor/handpiece?
This device uses a concentrated beam of light and is often used to remove decay and inflammed gum tissue, though it cannot remove existing silver fillings.
What is a laser handpiece?
A "straight-line" attachment on a low-speed motor requires this specific type of long shank.
What is a long-straight shank?
These burs (like #7104) have more flutes than cutting burs, giving them a higher polishing capability.
BONUS: This is the shape of the #7104, #7106 and #7108 burs
What is the Flame Finishing Bur?
While common in the lab, these rotary instruments are known for being expensive compared to steel burs.
What are diamond rotary instruments?
This specific handpiece provides the greatest amount of torque (turning force) for heavy-duty adjustments
What is the laboratory handpiece?
Unlike dental burs, laboratory burs are distinct because they possess these two physical characteristics.
What are longer shanks and larger heads?
These are the three distinct parts of every rotary instrument.
What are the shank, neck, and head?
This type of bur (#'s 699-703) is used to provide angles to walls and create retention.
What is a tapered fissure cross-cut bur?
This type of "angle" is used specifically by the hygienist or assistant for coronal polishing.
What is a prophylaxis (prophy) angle?
What is to prevent pulpal damage from frictional heat?
Air-driven turbine handpieces were first introduced to the dental profession during this decade.
1950s
Preferred for their more precise and conroled access, this specific type of bur used to gain access through the occlusal surface into the pulp chamber.
What is a round-shaped diamond?
This is the primary function of a #4 round bur during a cavity preparation.
What is the removal of decay (caries)?
This is the most important "rule of thumb" to follow when cleaning or lubricating any handpiece.
What is following the manufacturer’s instructions?