Pneumatic Dental Tools

Pneumatic systems use compressed air and gas to create powerful bursts of energy. In the field of dentistry, pneumatic systems are used for lifting and torque. Tools such as dental chairs employ pneumatic systems to create strong upward thrusts. Dental drills make use of the tremendous torque produced by pneumatic systems to maximize bit revolutions per minute for increased power and precision. Handheld pneumatic tools must be connected to a pneumatic power source.

Dental Drills

• Dental drills exploit the powerful torque created by pneumatic systems. Pneumatic dental drills are lighter than their electrically-powered counterparts and are capable of producing more revolutions of the drill bit per minute. Dental drills are used to cut into teeth, gums and the jaw. Pneumatic drills derive power from hoses that are connected to a pneumatic power source and funnel bursts of compressed air from that source to the drill. Proto-pneumatic dental drills have been in use since the 19th century when foot-powered billows produced air power that was used to create torque.

Dental Chairs

• Dental chairs use pneumatic systems to adjust the height of the unit. Pneumatic dental chairs conceal a pneumatic system within a shaft that is commonly located beneath the seat of the chair. The pneumatic system is part of a telescoping support column that raises and lowers. Foot switches are used to release compressed gas or air within the pneumatic system to raise the chair. Pneumatic systems are commonly combined with electrical components. In combination systems, pneumatic power is used to raise a chair, and electric power is used to lower the chair.

Pneumatic Units

• Pneumatic units provide dentists with a set of pneumatically-powered hookups for dental tools capable of handling pneumatic power. These units are equipped to handle tools like syringes, drills, and tooth polishers. Syringes in this capacity are not used to puncture or inject but rather as conduits for pneumatic air power. The pneumatic system of such a unit releases a burst of compressed air. The syringe acts like the barrel of a gun, allowing dentists to direct the air to remove buildup that is stuck on and between teeth. Pneumatically-powered polishers are brushes that exploit the torque of pneumatic systems in a manner similar to drills. Dentists use these tools to polish teeth. A foot switch controls pneumatic power on these units.