How to Choose the Right Dental Air Compressor

Did you know that dental practices actually use an air compressor for a number of their services? Although they work with many intricate tools, the main tool that they couldn’t be without is an air compressor.

As such an important investment, and with personal hygiene involved on a daily basis, there are a number of things to consider when choosing the right dental air compressor. Here is a guide to help you.

Factors to Think About When Choosing a Dental Air Compressor

Always remember the 3 P’s when thinking about which compressed air system to buy: Power, Pressure, Production.

How Much Power Do I Need?

The power measurement of an air compressor refers to its ability to pump and compress air; the stronger the power, the more you’ll be able to pump and compress for longer. The measurements are commonly available in either kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP): for reference, 1 kW equals 1.34 HP. Between 1 and 5 horsepower is usually recommended for dental practices, but the more tools you want to power, the more horsepower you’ll need.

How Much Pressure Do I Need?

You need to make sure the dental air compressor you choose has enough pressure for your tools because if you have too little, you can cause damage to both your tools and your patient. Typically measured in bars, where 1 bar is the same as 14.5 psi, you should always choose a system that is higher than the bar minimum of your tools. This is the best way to ensure no straining and to compensate for any possible pressure drops.

How Much CFM Do I Need for Production?

This is a similar measurement to the bars above and should be approached in the same way: always aim for a higher cubic feet per minute (CFM) or litres per minute (LPM) than required. This is to ensure it can handle your dental equipment and its usage, plus any additions you may have over time.

Do I Choose Oil-Lubricated or Oil-Free?

Although not part of the P’s, it is still an important thing to remember. Oil-Free air compressors are the only option for dental practices because clean and uncontaminated air is vital. When operating in and around a person’s mouth, you need to make sure that you aren’t running the risk of contaminating surrounding fluids and therefore risking patient health.

Air Compressors for Dental Practices

Dental air compressors ensure every client is in safe and hygienic hands whilst performing efficient procedures.

At Air Power East, we provide a wide range of air compressors plus additional services such as servicing and installation. If you have any questions and require more information, please contact us today and see how we can help you.