Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 1629-1634, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Laser evaluation of handpiece contamination
R. B. Pelzner, D. Kempler, M. M. Stark, P. R. Barkin and D. A. Graham
Six different models of ultra-high speed handpieces were evaluated in
regard to debris accumulation following cutting through tooth structure. A
weight-load machine and a laser particle detector were utilized to evaluate
the amount of the debris retained. Amounts of debris accumulated after dry
and wet cutting were also evaluated. The effect of simple wiping of the
handpieces with alcohol guaze was assessed. The results obtained show that
the longer the cutting time, the larger the amounts of debris retained on
the handpieces. Dry cutting resulted in smaller amounts of debris entrapped
than following wet cutting. The cleaning by wiping with alcohol gauze
reduced the amounts of the debris, but is insufficient and cannot be
utilized as a single procedure for decontaminating handpieces. The external
head design is a cardinal factor in retention of debris: larger but
smoother surfaces will retain less debris than smaller but more complicated
surfaces. External tubings are debris retention foci.
