Choosing the Right Dental Air Compressor: What You Need to Know

When it comes to dental care, having the right tools is essential for a successful practice. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the dental air compressor. This machine is responsible for providing the necessary air pressure and vacuum to dental tools, such as handpieces, that are used to clean, polish, and shape teeth. Choosing the right air compressor can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and understanding of the different types of air compressors available, you can make the best decision for your practice. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of dental air compressors, their features, and the factors you should consider when selecting one.

What is a dental air compressor?

A dental air compressor is a machine that compresses air and sends it to dental tools such as handpieces. It can also be used for other purposes such as delivering clean and dry air for medical use, lab use, and aviation. An air compressor is primarily used in dentistry to power handpieces, which are handheld dental instruments used to clean, polish, and shape teeth. While there are many types of dental air compressors, the two most common types are rotary vane and screw air compressors. While rotary vane air compressors are generally used in dental offices with high air demand, screw air compressors are more commonly used in dental practices with lower air demand

Types of dental air compressors

- Rotary Vane Air Compressor: Rotary vane air compressors, also known as positive displacement compressors, consist of a rotor and a stator, which are connected by a transmission system. A rotating vane closes and opens as it turns, which delivers a controlled volume of air to the outlet. Because these compressors deliver a precise volume of air per revolution, they are ideal for providing consistent pressure, flow rate, and air pressure. Rotary vane compressors are best for dental offices with high air demand because they can provide more air pressure and a higher flow rate than a screw compressor. - Screw Air Compressor: Unlike rotary vane compressors, screw air compressors use a rotating screw to compress air. They are generally less expensive than rotary v-ane compressors, but they also provide less air pressure, flow rate, and vacuum. Because they deliver less air pressure, they are not ideal for dental offices with high air demand. Moreover, they are also unable to deliver consistent air pressure, flow rate, and vacuum. They are best for dental offices with lower air demand because they have lower noise levels, are smaller in size, and have fewer vibrations than rotary vane compressors.

Features to consider when selecting a dental air compressor

- Air Flow Rate: The air flow rate is the amount of air delivered per minute, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). When selecting a compressor, make sure it has enough CFM to meet the air demand of your tools and other equipment. A dental handpiece, for example, requires a minimum of 5 CFM, while a foot pedal requires only 1 CFM. If you are unsure how many CFM you need, ask your dental supplier for recommendations on the best dental air compressor for your practice. - Air Pressure: Air pressure is the amount of force applied per unit area, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Air pressure is important because it affects the speed at which dental tools operate. Higher air pressure results in a slower speed, whereas lower air pressure results in a faster speed. When selecting a compressor, make sure it has enough PSI to meet the operating speed of your dental tools. For example, dental handpieces typically require 35 to 40 PSI, while a foot pedal requires 10 PSI. If you are unsure what PSI you need, ask your dental supplier for recommendations on the best dental air compressor for your practice.

Factors to consider when choosing the right dental air compressor

- Noise Level: Air compressors make noise, and the amount of noise they produce varies depending on their type. Rotary vane air compressors run quieter than screw air compressors and also provide higher air flow rates and air pressure. Preferably, you should select a dental air compressor with a noise level below 70 decibels, which is the level at which it is considered to be quiet. If you are unsure how noisy different dental air compressors are, talk to your dental supplier for recommendations. - Size and Weight: Be sure to select a dental air compressor that has the right size and weight for your office. For instance, a large dental air compressor may not fit in your cabinet, while a heavy compressor may strain your floor joists. A dental air compressor that is too heavy may also present an injury hazard. You should also consider the amount of space your compressor will take up, especially if you are working in a small office.

How to choose the best dental air compressor for your practice

When choosing the right dental air compressor for your practice, you must consider the following: - Air Handling Capacity: The air handling capacity determines the maximum amount of air that the compressor can produce in one hour, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). You can use this information to select a compressor that has the right capacity for your dental handpieces and other equipment. - Horsepower: This is the amount of work that a compressor can do in one hour, measured in horsepower (HP). Generally, the higher the horsepower, the more efficient the compressor is. You can use this information to select a compressor that is energy-efficient and able to meet the demands of your equipment. - Noise Level: As discussed above, noise level is an important factor to consider when choosing a dental air compressor.

Benefits of using a dental air compressor

- More Hygienic: Using an air compressor to power dental handpieces and other dental equipment helps keep your treatment room clean and germ-free. Airborne microorganisms and dust particles are sucked into the compressor and trapped in the filter, which makes the air delivered more hygienic. - Good for the Environment: Air compressors help reduce the carbon footprint that dental practices may otherwise contribute to. This is because electricity is generated from the burning of fossil fuels that are non-renewable. Additionally, air compressors use less energy than dental handpieces run off of 110-volt wall outlets. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are harmful to the environment. - More Efficient: Air compressors are more efficient than dental handpieces, which use electricity to power their oscillating motors. Air compressors use less energy and are able-to produce the same amount of power that dental handpieces do.

What to look for when shopping for a dental air compressor

- Power Source: You should decide whether to purchase an air compressor that runs on an electrical current or a compressed air source. Electrical air compressors are connected to the wall outlet while compressed air air compressors are connected to a tank with compressed air. Electrical air compressors are usually more expensive than compressed air air compressors, but they are more convenient and easier to set-up and use. - Sound Level: The noise level of an air compressor varies depending on the type of compressor you purchase. Rotary vane air compressors run quieter than screw air compressors, but are also more expensive. You can use the noise level as an indicator of the compressor’s efficiency. A quieter compressor is more efficient and less expensive to run. - Pressure and Air Flow Rate: You should select a compressor that provides the right pressure and flow rate for your equipment and handpieces. For instance, dental handpieces require a minimum of 35 PSI and 5 CFM. If you are unsure what PSI and CFM your equipment requires, ask your dental supplier for recommendations.