Kavo turbine handpiece

Types of Kavo turbine handpieces

• Air-Powered Handpieces

  These handpieces use compressed air to operate the turbine and are known for their power and speed, which can reach over 20,000 RPM. They are widely used in procedures that require heavy cutting, such as removing large caries or crown downs. Due to their higher torque, air-powered handpieces are especially useful in hard tissue preparation. However, these handpieces are heavier and less expensive than their counterparts, which may be considered a downside. In addition, since they use air, they produce more noise and less heat than electric ones.

• Electric Handpieces

  These handpieces use an electric motor rather than compressed air to drive the bur mechanism. They have variable speeds, allowing the user to adjust the RPM for specific tasks, unlike air-driven models, which have fixed speeds. Kavo Dental, for example, has electric handpieces known for their precision and reliability. They are ideal for endodontic procedures where control is crucial. The more affordable electric models are also cheaper to service and maintain. They are quieter and provide better heat control during procedures.

• Battery-Powered Cordless Handpieces

  These handpieces are powered by rechargeable batteries and provide mobility. They are lighter and more ergonomic, providing greater flexibility for dental work. These do not have cords, limiting procedures that require mobility. That means these varieties are especially useful in field dentistry or mobile clinics. However, the limit on battery life ensures that these instruments work less powerful and with fewer rotations per minute than their corded counterparts.

• High-Speed vs. Low-Speed Handpieces

  High-speed handpieces are for cutting through enamel and dentin and are useful in surgical procedures because they rotate between 100,000 and 400,000 RPM. Low-speed handpieces rotate at 30,000 RPM and are suitable for polishing and other tasks like denture repair. Impression taking is usually done with low-speed handpieces, which give better torque but are not good with bur heating.

Specifications and Maintenance of Kavo turbine handpieces

Key Specifications

• RPM (Revolutions Per Minute): RPM indicates the possible rotational capacity of the handpiece. Kavo high-speed handpieces can rotate up to 40,0000 RPM.
• Bur Size: A Kavo handpiece uses 1.595 mm 2.4 mm X 4.0 mm ISO burs. They are compatible with other dental manufacturers.
• Spray Type: An external or internal spray cools the handpiece during operation. Internal spray models cool via water passing through the handpiece core, while external models have water sprayed on the handpiece surface.
• Coupling: This links the handpiece to the dental unit. Kavo coupling models include 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1 reduction couplings for low-speed handpieces, with 1:1 being no reduction in speed.

Maintenance and Care

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, handpieces should be rinsed, wiped, and run briefly to eliminate debris. Turbines should also be cleaned weekly with manufacturer-recommended cleaning products.
• Lubrication: Handpieces should be lubricated with quality oils to reduce friction between parts. This is typically done after cleaning and before sterilization.
• Sterilization Guidelines: Kavo recommends sterilizing handpieces in autoclaves that meet their recommended standards. Exposure to extreme temperatures should be avoided.
• Inspection: Regular checks should include assessment for wear and tear or damage, later changing parts like bearings and turbines when needed. Speed and bur wobble are good tests for wear.
• Storage: A cool, dry location with a low humidity level is ideal for keeping handpieces. Cases with proper ventilation can contribute to long-term storage and preservation.

Applications of Kavo turbine handpieces

Dental Procedures

• Crown Preparation: These handpieces are well suited for enamel and dentin cutting when preparing teeth for crowns.
• Tissue Removal: These handpieces' high-speed water cooling reduces heat generation during tumor excisions.
• Decay Removal: Turbines are useful for efficient caries removal and tooth structure preservation.
• Tooth Extractions: Kavo handpieces assist with surgical extractions by cutting through bone and surrounding tissue.

Veterinary Medicine

• Veterinary Dentistry: These handpieces treat oral conditions and perform procedures such as dentals, extractions, and oral surgery in animals.
• Oral Surgery: These are specific procedures like tumor removals and bone surgeries in veterinary practices.

Precision Engineering

• Material Cutting: These handpieces can cut metals and polymers in precision machining, given their high-speed capabilities.
• Tool Maintenance: These handpieces perform polishing and sharpening tasks on dental tools.

Mobile Dentistry

• Field Operations: The mobility of the battery-powered Kavo handpieces makes them ideal for remote dental procedures.

Choosing Kavo turbine handpieces

• Practice Needs

  A key consideration should be the dentist's area of interest, as handpieces should be designed with a specified rotational speed to meet normal dental activity. A busy dental practice will gain from investing in strong, high-performance handpieces, while smaller practices may afford to purchase lighter handpieces. Also, the kind of procedure expected daily is an important factor to consider. For instance, if a practice needs tough work on a frequent basis, an air-driven or electric handpiece will be more appropriate than a low-speed one.

• Compatibility

  Bur size and coupling are two points that need to be controlled so that new handpieces are compatible with older dental units and instruments. The coupling should fit the dental chair, and the bur size should correspond with current burs.

• Budget

  It is important to allocate resources toward handpieces within a budget. While basic or battery-operated handpieces are more affordable, the more advanced coupled electric handpieces will cost more but will offer more services. Still, the handpiece operational and maintenance costs need to be considered throughout the handpiece lifetime because electric handpieces may incur more costs in servicing and operating.

• Ergonomics

  The comfort of the dentist in using the handpiece for a very long time has to be considered. Lighter, more ergonomically designed handpieces are more comfortable to use when undertaking long procedures.

• Reviews and Manufacturer Support

  Finally, it is important to consider the history and reliability of the chosen brand. Strong guarantees, good customer support, and clear maintenance instructions mean something for the manufacturer's support.

Q&A

Q1: Which materials are Kavo handpieces made of?

A1: Kavo turbine handpieces are made of high-grade stainless steel alloys, which are very sturdy and resist corrosion. Also, there are some ceramic components, especially in the turbine, which are friction-free and durable.

Q2: What is the average lifespan of a Kavo handpiece?

A2: The lifetime meant for a Kavo handpiece is generally between 5 and 7 years, depending on the level of care, maintenance, and usage.

Q3: How can overheating be avoided in a Kavo turbine handpiece?

A3: The overheat in Kavo handpieces, which is mostly common, can be avoided by proper lubrication and water spray while using it.

Q4: Are Kavo electric handpieces stronger than air-driven models?

A4: Kavo electric handpieces have constant torque, which makes them very strong, even at lower speeds. On the other hand, Kavo air-driven handpieces are very powerful, with high-speed rotations.

Q5: Are Kavo handpieces sterilizable?

A5: Yes, Kavo Electric and air-driven handpieces are sterilizable. It is clear that appropriate protocols should be observed during sterilization.