Why Is Having the Right Air Compressor for Your Practice Important?

A reliable dental air compressor is critical to the efficiency and the continuous operation of your practice. The most important function of a dental air compressor is to power a variety of key tools with sterile, dry compressed air at the appropriate rate.

When equipment is producing poor-quality air, or it’s generating a moist environment in machine parts, you could be creating a breeding ground for bacteria exposures through air passing from equipment to tool and eventually, into the patient's mouth.

You’re also risking internal damage to those units from corrosion and buildup. Commonly used tools and handpieces that are most in jeopardy of damage from dirty, wet air include: 

• Drills
• Scalers
• 3/1 syringes
• Delivery units
• Chair valves

Having the right compressor for your practice’s size and operatory needs will help ensure the compressor produces quality air and extends the lifetime of the unit, saving you money in the long run.

 

How To Choose the Right Air Compressor for Your Practice

Oil Vs. Oil Free

Oil-lubricated air compressors were once believed to be quieter and more durable than oil-free models, but that isn't the case anymore. Today, oil-less models generally outperform their oiled counterparts and eliminate the hassle and worry that comes with consistently checking and replacing filters.

The main reason why a dentist will choose an oil-free compressor is that they pose a lower risk of contaminating the air with lubricant. 

Size

A compressor system that is the right size for your practice is more efficient and will last longer.

The size of a compressor is measured by a combination of actual volume output capacity, duty cycle, and tank size.

To identify the capacity output needed from your air compressor, measure your current average air consumption in your practice. Consumption is usually determined by how many operatories are in use at a time. Capacity and consumption are measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per minute (LPM). As a rule of thumb, each chair consumes approximately 2 CFM or 10 LPM.

Duty Cycle

Knowing the capacity of compressed air you need is a helpful first step, but you must also understand the duty cycle of the compressor to ensure you’re getting what you expect.

The duty cycle refers to the amount of time a compressor will deliver pressurized air within a total cycle time.For example, a compressor with a 50% duty cycle will need 30 minutes of downtime for every 30 minutes it runs.

It’s best to have a longer cycle time with fewer cycles per hour to get the most life out of your air compressor. A larger tank size will allow you to run more tools simultaneously and reduce the amount of time that each instrument is running.

Power

The power range of a compressor pertains to the motor’s ability to pump air. The power output of dental compressors is indicated in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW). Most dental clinics require compressors operating between 2 to 5 HP. A small dental office with one or two seats can usually get by with a 2HP machine, while larger offices or labs will require at least a 5HP.    

The stronger your pump is, the more tools it can power, the longer it can deliver power, and the faster it can refill the tank. 

Pressure

Air compressors must be able to provide enough pressure for all your tools to operate smoothly, even at the same time. All dental tools have specific pressure requirements that are typically measured and listed in BAR. Many of the applications used, such as the handpieces, have a 5-BAR requirement.

To avoid straining your equipment, it’s again recommended to choose a compressor that can generate slightly more pressure than each tool requires as air with too little pressure can ruin tools, interrupt procedures, and possibly hurt your patients.

Installation

Another way to help extend the life of your dental air compressor is proper installation. Poor installation can create significant noise in your practice and may speed up the time between each maintenance.

Dental compressors require a steady supply of clean air, so assess the space for proper ventilation. Putting the compressor in the wrong space might lead to failure, contamination, and overworked filters.

Also take note of the power requirements in your space. Some smaller air compressors run on standard household voltage, between 110V to 120V, but dental air compressors with motors that exceed two running horsepower require a 220V to 240V outlet.

Conclusion 

Dental air compressors are a vital part of any modern dental practice but choosing one can be overwhelming. Determining what features you need in a dental air compressor really comes down to your specific situation. 

Referencing a compressor sizing chart like the following may help determine the size and number of compressors you will need. Included are charts for top brands Atlas sells. 

MIDMARK

Model	P21	P22	P32	P52	P72
User Capacity	1-3	1-3	3-5	5-7	7-10
CFM @ 80 psi	5.2	5.2	7.8	10.6	15.9
Voltage	115	208-230	208-230	208-230	208-230
Horsepower	1.5	1.5	2.25	3.2	4.8
Tank Size	10 gal	10 gal	20 gal	20 gal	32 gal

 

AIR TECHNIQUES

Model	AS 10	AS 21	AS 22	AS 30	AS 50	AS 70
Simultaneous user capacity	2	3	3	4	7	10
CFM @ 80 psi	2.5	5	5	10	10	15
Voltage	105-125	115	208-230	208-230	208-230	208-230
Horsepower	0.75	1.5	1.5	1.5	3	4
Tank Size	6 gal	12 gal	12 gal	12 gal	20 gal	30 gal

 

TECHWEST ELITE SERIES

Model	ACOR2D1	ACOR2D1Q	ACOR2D2	ACOR2D2Q	ACO2S2	ACO4D2	ACO6T2
Number of Users	2-3	2-3	2-3	2-3	2-3	5-7	8-10
CFM @ 80 psi	5.2	5.2	5.2	5.2	5.5	11	16.5
Voltage	115	115	208-230	208-230	208-230	208-230	208-230
Horsepower	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	3	4.5
Tank Size	10	10	10	10	10	20	30

*These charts are for guidance purposes and should be confirmed with a professional installer to verify specs for your particular installation & available hardware on-site.

 Regardless of your needs, the best place to start your search is with Atlas. Contact our dental equipment experts at Atlas Resell Management who are eager to help you to find the right equipment for your needs or shop our inventory of quality used and refurbished air compressors.