Transitioning to Digital Imaging

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Overview of Dental X-rays

Dentist conducting an x-ray on a female dental patient at the Rochester Dental Dispensary in the early 1900's.

Since its discovery in early 1900’s, the dental industry has been providing dental radiographs, referred to as x-rays. X-rays are used to capture images of the mouth to diagnose, treat and identify oral problems. X-ray images can help identify cavities, cancerous or benign masses, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that just cannot be seen with the naked eye during a routine oral examination. The film based units use a photographic film that has been exposed to radiation which in turn has to be developed.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Dental Planet would like to wish all the employees and their families a Merry Christmas.

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Your Dental Light Preventative Maintenance Guide

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Your Operatory Light Reflects On You … Keep It Clean

Take a moment to think about what your patients see when they sit in a dental chair in your office. At some point during their visit, your patients will look up at the operatory light. Keeping your operatory light clean is a good reflection on your office. Here are some helpful hints on how to keep your light clean and in good working order to achieve maximum effectiveness.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury, turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.

Cleaning the plastic lens shield

  1. Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
  2. Soak a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad in a diluted, mild dishwashing soap.
  3. Clean the plastic lens shield by lightly rubbing it in the same direction with the cloth or gauze pad.
  4. Remove all residue of the dishwashing liquid from the shield after cleaning it.
  5. Air dry shield before use.

Cleaning Tip #1

There is a risk of cracking the plastic lens shield and the glass reflector if you begin the cleaning process before the light has cooled to room temperature. This would also void the warranty.

Cleaning Tip #2

Plan to clean the lens shield and glass reflector, or replace the bulb in the morning before the operatory lights have been turned ON.

Cleaning Tip #3

When cleaning the plastic lens shield and glass reflector, always rub lightly in the same direction with a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad to avoid scratches.

Cleaning Tip #4

It’s time to replace the lens shield when there are signs of wear such as cracks or discoloration. The same applies to the glass reflector, in addition to the reflective coating starting to peel away.

Cleaning Tip #5

Oils from your skin that come in contact with a new bulb can cause “hot spots” once the power is turned ON. These hot spots can shorten the life expectancy of the bulb.

Cleaning the glass reflector

  1. Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
  2. Soak a lint-free, 100% cotton cloth or a gauze pad in a diluted, mild dishwashing soap.
  3. Clean the glass reflector by lightly rubbing it in the same direction with the cloth or gauze pad.
  4. Remove all residue of the dishwashing liquid from the reflector after cleaning.
  5. Air dry reflector before use.

Replacing the bulb

  1. Turn OFF the light and allow to cool to room temperature before cleaning.
  2. Disconnect power to the light.
  3. Remove the old bulb using a cloth or a gauze pad for your protection from possible broken glass. Inspect the light bulb socket for damage at this time.
  4. Install the new bulb using a cloth or a gauze pad for your protection from possible broken glass and to avoid getting oils from your skin on the bulb’s glass surface. (Note: If the new bulb should come in contact with your skin, gently clean the bulb using a cotton cloth with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol to remove any oils. Allow bulb to dry completely before turning ON light.)

Copyright © 2008 Replacement Parts Industries, Inc. RevA 04-08
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HAPPY 236th BIRTHDAY MARINE CORPS

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2012 Dental Conferences and Trade Shows

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There are many conferences and trade shows going on during the 2012 season. Click on any month to find out what’s happening.
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Your Compressor Maintenance Guide

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Your Dental Compressor PM Guide

Help improve uptime and quality of output as well as reduce repair costs through planned maintenance for your dental compressor. This easy-to-use PM guide walks you through the steps of what to look for and what to replace at monthly and annual intervals. Some steps listed can be done by the dental office personnel responsible for the compressor, while other steps may require your Service Professional to perform them.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not perform these steps while compressor is running. Compressor head and connecting tubing is hot during operation. Wait until unit and tubing are cool.
Oil Check Monthly

Check oil level and add if necessary. If Sight Glass has MIN and MAX marks, the oil level should be at least halfway between the two marks. If no marks exist, the oil level should be half way at MIN to 3/4 at MAX when viewing the Sight Glass.
Air Leaks Monthly

Check for air leaks on the compressor, tubing, and connections.
Air Intake Filters Monthly

Check Air Intake Filters for blockage, dust, etc. Keep compressor clean and dust free.
Cooling Fans Monthly

Check Cooling Fans and fan blades for blockage, dust, etc. (Cooling Fans are to help keep the heads cool during operation.)
Coalescing Filter’s Differential Pressure Indicator Monthly

With the compressor running, look at the Coalescing Filter’s Differential Pressure Indicator — GREEN is good, and RED means that the Coalescing Filter is ready to be replaced.
Moisture Indicator Monthly

Check the Moisture Indicator. For Dry Air, the color must be Blue; Pink means that the Desiccant Drying Chamber must be serviced or replaced. (Service Tip: If the Desiccant Drying Chamber needs to be replaced, then replace the Moisture Indicator at the same time in order for the dental delivery unit to function properly.)
Coalescing Filter Assembly & Bowl Annually

Replace the Coalescing Filter Element. At the same time, clean the Coalescing Filter’s Bowl and check the Float for proper functioning. Note that some fluid will remain until it reaches the level to be expelled.
Air Intake Filter Annually

Replace the Air Intake Filter Element or Assembly.
Oil Change Annually

Change the oil in the compressor to ensure continued smooth operation.
Dental Delivery Unit’s Air Filters Annually

Check the dental delivery unit’s Air Filters: If filter is yellowish in color, check the Coalescing Filter’s Differential Pressure Indicator and Coalescing Filter Assembly & Bowl as noted above.

Check for moisture in the J-box/unit’s Air Filters. If moisture is found, check the Moisture Indicator as noted above.
Air Pressure Annually

The compressor must cycle ON at 80 PSI and OFF at 100 PSI in order for the dental delivery unit to function properly. Use the compressor Pressure Gauge to confirm this and adjust the Pressure Switch if necessary.
Dental Delivery Unit’s Air Pressure Annually

Check for minimum air pressure of 80 PSI and a maximum of 100 PSI at the J-box. (Service Tip: Use a handpiece and let the air compressor cycle at least once before making adjustments to the J-box air regulator.)

Copyright © 2008 Replacement Parts Industries, Inc.
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