The dental unit is the centerpiece of every dental treatment room. Sophisticated, delicate technology combined with factually appealing design serves the patient’s well-being, yet must deliver uninterrupted high performance day in and day out.
What is a dental unit?
The dental unit is the centerpiece of any dental treatment room. The dental unit can be compared to the surgeon’s operating table. All instruments and technology are arranged for optimal access to the patient’s mouth, teeth and jaw area. Each dental unit can be spatially divided into three areas. The central area is the treatment chair for the patient. It consists of a seat, backrest and headrest. To its right are storage areas for trays and quiver trays for motors, in which the equipment for the dentist is arranged. Similarly, the work equipment for the dental assistants is mounted on the left. The devices for various suction cannulas are particularly important here. On the newer models, both the dentist and assistant elements have clearly arranged touch fields on displays for controlling the work media. The horizontally swiveling irrigation basin is operated by the helpers. The stand for the cuspidor and the water supply are integrated at the edge of the bowl. The treatment field light hangs from a floating arm that is very flexible due to several joints and can be operated from both sides.
Shapes, types and styles
Although all dental units have identical main functions, there are still differences in the scope of equipment, technical features, shape, design and color. Trays may be rigidly mounted or very mobile attached to swivel arms. Hoses hang under the quivers for the motors in some models. In other designs, supply lines for water and electricity are routed from above via pulleys and extended only when needed. In each type of dental unit, an instrument for air, water and spray functions is integrated in the dentist’s element. A high-speed motor and two motors for lower speeds are also part of the minimum equipment. Other instruments, such as electrosurgery, ultrasound for scaling, airbrush or digital X-ray may also be available. However, these instruments are also available as stand-alone units. Seat surfaces, backrests and headrests of the patient chair can be of different widths. The respective upholstery gives a softer or harder seating feeling. Armrests, if any, give patients the impression of lying in a stable position. Almost anything is possible in terms of colors. Manufacturers even offer mobile dental units that can be used in multiple treatment rooms and for home visits.
Structure and mode of operation
In the base under the dental chair sits the main switch, which is used to activate electricity, water and compressed air. The amalgam separator, a legally required device for wastewater purification, also finds its place in the lower section of the dental unit. The sludge collected in it is disposed of by specialized companies, as it may contain toxic mercury. Numerous control panels for the individual instruments are arranged on the displays on both sides of the dental chair behind hygienic touch foils. The height of the treatment chair can be adjusted from here. In addition, the angle between the seat and backrest as well as the headrest can be adjusted according to the required treatment position. Light intensity, filling of the rinsing beaker, and the circular rinsing function of the bowl are controlled by pushbuttons. Feed hoses, motors, and straight and contra-angle handpieces form a unit that is held in place in the quivers of the swivel/floating table. It is these that accommodate the rotating instruments, such as drills or polishers. Since different speeds are required for different preparation procedures, there are setting variables for this on the display. The water feed in the handpieces can be switched on or off. Further settings regulate the light intensity and light temperature of the working field light. X-ray images can be viewed on the X-ray image viewer during treatment. A foot switch is included with each dental unit. Only by pressing it does the motor taken from the quiver receive power and can start up. The dentist can also use the foot control to regulate the sitting position and the left or right rotation of the handpieces.Equipment parts belonging to the dental unit require extensive maintenance. Maintenance must be performed by the technical service department at specified intervals. All procedures are documented and partially audited by authorities.
Medical and health benefits
Dental units are so standardized that any practitioner could immediately practice his or her profession even on someone else’s unit. They are quickly ready for use when electricity, water and compressed air are available. All tiny components can be sterilized or at least disinfected. Thus, the risk of contagious germs is reduced to a minimum. The constant technical improvement of dental units also optimizes the quality of treatment. Good suction of saliva and grinding particles helps to keep the working area dry. Special lamps allow a clear view. Fillings placed in such a prepared environment have much longer durability. Filling margins seal tightly, preventing the spread of new caries in the dentin. Modern ultrasonic devices remove tartar almost painlessly and sometimes much more accurately than hand instruments could. Blood and other excretions are discreetly removed by suction cannulas. These conveniences make some patients less likely to delay their next visit to the dentist. Tartar, inflammation, and decayed areas are detected in the early stages and removed in time, before pain occurs. Root fillings and extractions are also needed less often. The average dental health of the population is steadily increasing. The friendly ambience created by soft colors and harmonious shapes not only takes away the fear of adults, but children also experience their first visits to the dentist as relaxed preventive care. This creates a positive attitude for future treatments.
