Dental dust collector

Types of dental dust collector

Dental practitioners work to give their patients the most outstanding service possible. However, with all the tools and services offered in dental clinics, it's essential to have the best collectors for dental dust. These dust collectors not only help to keep the place disinfected, but they also secure even the most sensitive instruments. Here is a list of the types of dental dust collectors.

Dry Running Dental Vacuum Pump

The dental vacuum pump is a small, lightweight device that uses a very small amount of power to operate. In the past, many vacuum pumps were housed in large metallic cases, requiring several hundred watts of power and producing a lot of heat. Today's small, efficient pumps generate less than 10 watts of power, producing almost no heat.

Unlike old versions that used water to prevent inside contamination, the modern dry running pumps do not suck in the water that may damage the insides of the electronics, making them a better choice for clinics.

Wet Running Dental Collectors

Wet running pumps are the kind of vacuum pumps that use water or liquid as a means of creating a seal or running inside the pump. This results in an extra cost, as one must sustain a steady supply of water in the pump for proper functioning. However, it is an ideal suction solution for clients who want to treat large materials and want to keep the dust particles out of the surrounding air. It can also transform oversized particles into mini ones, which is an effect of the water dynamic inside the pump.

Large Capacity Electric Dental Collectors

These are considered to have the most capacity compared to the others. For those looking for collectors that could handle large quantities of dust, then these are the best. They are also equipped with strong vacuuming capability and motor with a sealed filter to catch the fine particles and dust. However, these are more expensive than small models.

Industrial applications of dental dust collector

Dental dust collectors are widely used in industrial applications. Here are some ways in which they are applied.

Filtering Metal Dust

Metalworking generates a large amount of dust, especially when it's ground down to create new products. This dust contains small particles that can cause disease or irritation. That is why a metal dust collector is used in filtering such dust. It collects all the particles released to ensure the environment stays clean and free from toxins.

Filtering Wood Dust

Woodworking processes, such as sanding, cutting, and machining, release fine dust particles into the air. This wood dust collector collects all those particles and prevents them from polluting the air. Manufacturers and craftsmen use these collectors to ensure they don't inhale the dust that can cause respiratory disease.

Filtering Plastic Dust

Plastics are ubiquitous and are used in various industries for making sachets, containers, and other valuable products. Unfortunately, the process of cutting, recycling, and even thermoforming plastics releases fine plastic dust. Just like metal and wood dust collectors, plastic dust collectors are designed to filter plastic dust and ensure a healthy environment and optimal air quality.

Filtering Composite Materials Dust

Composite materials are becoming common as they are lighter and stronger than conventional materials. Industries using these materials, like automotive and aerospace, generate much dust. Composite dust collectors trap the fine particles released during the cutting, grinding, or drilling process to protect the workers.

Product specifications and features

Technical specifications

• Dust types: Most dental dust collectors are used to eliminate dry, non-explosive, and non-fibrous dust. This includes metallic particles, wood dust, plastic dust, and composite material dust.
• Clean air flow rate: This defines the quantity of air that can flow through the collector when all collectors are clean and dust-free. The air flow rates for collectors can range between 300 to 9000 CFM.
• Static pressure: This is the amount of resistance faced by a collector by the dust in the system. It is typically measured in inches of water column. The static pressure for dental dust collectors varies from one application to another. For instance, small workshops require low static pressure, while large industrial spaces require significant static pressure.

How to install

The installation of dental dust collectors depends on the type one wants to install. An electric vacuum dust collector is easy to install at the corner of the dental room without the need for piping. Large capacity dust collectors require expert help for installation due to size and specific requirements. Wet collectors need a water source, whereas the dry-dust collector doesn't need such an addition, so one should consider the situation before choosing.

How to use

To use dental dust collectors, one should switch the collector on and then target materials to create the flow of air, which vacuums all the dust and particles present in the space. In collectors that require water, an individual must ensure that water is present in the collector before switching it on. One should also read the manual of the specific collector to know how to operate it properly.

Maintenance and repair

That's where troubleshooting comes into play. Any fault in the collector's functioning affects its ability to collect dust. Therefore, it's critical to check them once in a while. The most significant is the filter since it's the one that collects all the dust. Once it gets too dirty, it should be cleaned. Fortunately, many collectors have filters that can be removed easily and don't need much time or expertise to change. Besides the filter, inspect it for damages or holes since these can also affect its performance. Other times, the motor that drives the equipment might not work as it's supposed to. One needs to listen for strange sounds since they can offer a clue about the issue. If the motor makes a noise, smokes, or vibrates, there is a problem. Don't forget to check the belts attached to the motor to see if they are loose or damaged.

Quality and safety considerations of dental dust collector

The dust collector has a crucial role in safety as it helps remove particulate and gaseous contaminants breathed in by a dental practitioner. That is why when choosing one, the buyer should ensure it meets the required safety standards. Here are some safety tips one should consider when buying a dental dust collector machine.

• Consider the filtration system: Buyers should get dust collectors that have HEPA filters that can collect 99.7 percent of particles that are 0.3 micrometers or bigger. In dental clinics, dust from drills, bur, and handpieces can be toxic or infectious if inhaled. A high-quality filtration system will ensure the safety of dental staff and patients.
• Check the power system: There are various types of dust collectors in the market today. They can be powered by electricity, but most power their motor through an induction motor and turbine. The turbine pulls the air through the filter and releases clean filtered air. Collectors powered by an induction motor provide a steady and reliable airflow.
• Examine the collectors: Use dental dust collectors that will ensure optimal safety. For instance, large-capacity collectors with sealed filters reduce dust exposure and include extra safety elements like filter cleaning or dust discharge. They also incorporate a heavy base that reduces the chances of toppling over, which can spill contaminants.
• Noise: Dental dust collectors make noise when collecting the dust. That is why it's recommended to pick the one that produces less noise. This not only makes it easy to communicate in the room but also minimizes stress and discomfort for patients.
• Regular maintenance: It's not enough to have a high-quality dust collector. It's essential to dedicate time to maintain it regularly to ensure it remains safe. Make sure all its parts are intact, the filter is cleaned or changed, and there are no broken parts. Also, test and inspect it before using it to ensure it's safe.

Q & A

Q. Can dental dust collectors be used in other industries?

Yes, it can. Dust collectors used in dentistry can be used in metal, woodworking, plastic, and even composite material industries. However, there are many types of collectors to consider.

Q. Are dust collectors an essential part of dentistry?

Dentists use many tools to clean, treat, restore, and modify teeth, like dental drill bits and handpieces. Unfortunately, this generates dental dust, which, if not collected, can lead to contamination and risk the health of dental practitioners and patients. That is why dust collectors are important. They reduce the effects of this dust, making the environment conducive.

Q. What improvements do dental vacuum systems bring to client experience?

When vacuum systems are integrated into the dental experience, they lead to optimum performance, especially in the area of cleanliness. These systems are dependable and work seamlessly, increasing task effectiveness. They also reduce waiting time with improved operation speed and reduce the noise level.

Q. How does a dental dust collector work?

A dental dust collector consists of a discharger, drum, and filter. While the drags create differential pressure, the dust-laden air moves through the filter, which traps all the particles. After a while, the dust accumulates in the filter, and the clean air gets released.