Electric Handpieces
Electric Handpieces Allow for Better Dental Care
Advances in technology are making the dentist's office a less intimidating place. One of the most noticeable improvements is the electric handpiece. Electric handpieces are quickly replacing traditional air-driven ones, and they make the dentist's drill a little easier to tolerate. At Apopka Smiles, we use electric handpieces to make treatment more efficient, precise and comfortable.
What Is a Dental Handpiece?
A handpiece is the instrument most people think of as "the dentist's drill." It holds a small rotating tool, called a bur, that the dentist uses to remove decay, shape teeth for fillings and crowns, and polish restorations. For decades, most handpieces were powered by compressed air. Electric handpieces use a small electric motor instead.
How Electric Handpieces Are Different
The electric handpiece is more efficient than its air-driven predecessor because the electric motor spins the bur with smooth, constant torque that doesn't change as the bur meets resistance from the tooth. An air-driven handpiece can slow down when it meets resistance. An electric handpiece keeps a steady speed.
Benefits for Patients
Shorter Appointments
An electric handpiece removes decay more easily and quickly, so dentists can clear decay more efficiently and you spend less time in the chair.
Greater Accuracy
Smooth, constant torque means faster drilling and better accuracy. This precision helps our dentist remove only what's necessary and preserve more of your healthy tooth structure.
A More Comfortable Experience
Many patients find electric handpieces less jarring than air-driven drills. Steady power means less vibration, which helps nervous patients feel more relaxed.
Smoother Results
Consistent power helps create smooth, precise surfaces when preparing teeth for restorations like inlays and onlays, veneers and bridges.
Where We Use Electric Handpieces
- Removing decay before a filling
- Preparing teeth for crowns, bridges and veneers
- Shaping and polishing restorations
- Adjusting dental appliances
Part of Our Commitment to Modern Dentistry
Electric handpieces are just one of the technologies we use at Apopka Smiles. We also use digital X-rays, Panorex imaging, rotary endodontics and oral cancer screening. Learn more on our Our Technology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric handpieces quieter?
Many patients find them less jarring than air-driven drills because they run with steady power and less vibration.
Do electric handpieces make treatment faster?
Yes. They remove decay more easily and quickly, which can shorten the time you spend in the chair.
Are they safe?
Yes. Electric handpieces are widely used throughout dentistry.
Will I notice a difference during my visit?
Many patients notice that treatment feels smoother and takes less time. Steady torque and reduced vibration help make procedures such as fillings and crown preparation more comfortable.
Do you use electric handpieces for children?
Our dentist uses the instruments best suited to each patient and procedure, and we take extra care to keep young patients comfortable.
Find out more about the equipment used at Apopka Smiles by calling 407-788-6888.
