SATELEC Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I change (or place) the tip?
A: The tip threads onto the end of the autoclavable handpiece (AHP). The color-coded tip-enclosing wrench provided prevents you from having to touch the actual tip. You orient the slot in the wrench around the base of the tip, press the wrench into place, and turn the tip counter-clockwise to loosen the tip. The tip is always either on the AHP or inside the wrench.
If the user is using this system for the first time they need to hand tighten a tip to the handpiece. Then select the appropriate colored wrench (see color band on tip), orient the hole to the flat sides
of the tip and press down. The wrench will lock into place. Now unscrew the wrench and the tip remains inside, helping prevent the loss of tips or injuring their hands and fingers. The hand tightening only needs to be done the first time they use the unit or acquire new tips and wrenches. The tip more than likely will remain in the color - coded wrench unless it's in use.
A: The handpiece pulls straight away from the tubing to be disconnected. Do not twist the handpiece or your may damage the handpiece connector.
Q: What parts are autoclavable?
A: The handpiece, tip, wrench, and box are all autoclavable. You must separate the tip from the handpiece before sterilizing. Do not soak the handpiece in an ultrasonic bath. All three items may be autoclaved in the box provided or in individual pouches.
Q: Is there any maintenance to be done for the handpiece?
A: Yes. After each use, the AHP should be wiped down with dental (alcohol) wipes. Around the base of the HP is a larger o-ring to ensure a tight fit between handpiece and tubing. There is also an o-ring, which is smaller, inside the base of the AHP. This o-ring ensures a tight fit where water runs from tubing through the AHP. If the office autoclaves the AHP, they should change the o-rings every 2-3 months (spare o-rings are provided in the handpieces original box). If the office does not autoclave the AHP, (because they use protective sheaths), the o-rings should be changed every 6 months (or sooner, if any wear or fluid leakage is detected.) At the end of the day the handpiece should be stored separated from the handpiece tubing. The nose cone also unscrews from the handpiece to ease the removal of any blood or other containments.
Q: How do I set the water flow or how much water is needed?
A: Most of the Cavitron users are used to using and excessive amounts of water to cool their handpiece and often use too much water when they first use a SATELEC. A good way to have them set the water flow is to do the following: Have thee user put the # 1 tip on the handpiece. Then have them turn the power setting down to its lowest point. Have them now adjust the water to a drip rate of two to three drips per second. Now have them adjust the power to the blue range and depress the foot control. They should now have a light mist “halo effect” when the water comes in contact with the tip. All the water required is enough to keep the tip cool to the touch.
Q: Can I run medicaments through my ultrasonic?
A: Yes, if any medicament other than water is run through the unit, you must flush the unit and AHP with water for one full minute after use.
Q: I am working with the unit and I don't feel, hear or see any vibration. Is the unit “on”?
A: It is a typical question for Magnetostrictive (Cavitron) users to have, and they are in for a “great surprise” because the SATELEC operates quietly with no heat or vibration felt in the handpiece. This is not the case with the Cavitron (or any other Magnetostrictive system). More than likely, the tip is vibrating and the user does not even know it. Have the user apply the tip to a metal object (key or coin) to verify its vibrating. (See next question for additional information.)
Q: Can I sharpen these tips?
A: No! These tips are not to be altered in any way. “Sharpening” these tips will change the mass of the tip and negatively affect the tip's ability to vibrate properly - the same way a normally-worn tip will not deliver optimal performance.
A: The answer is we recommend they contact their cardiologist. Most pace-makers now-a-days are shielded. Recent studies performed by the US Navy support Piezo Ultrasonics are safe for patients with a pace-maker; we still recommend contacting the patient's cardiologist.
Q: The tip “chatters” on the tooth and does not seem to be removing the calculus efficiently. What am I doing wrong?
A: Tip orientation is incorrect. More than likely, the user is coming from a Cavitron-type unit and needs to have the differences in technique between using a Magnetostrictive ultrasonic and Piezo ultrasonic explained.
Cavitron users are accustomed to utilizing their tips differently from the way a Satelec tip should be used. With the elliptical motion (Figure 8 pattern) the Cavitron provides, the end user applies the front, side or back of the tip to “BANG” the tooth to remove calculus. This often causes patient discomfort and can embed calculus to the root surface.
SATELEC users need to understand that the tip vibrates in a linear motion on the same plane as the handpiece (straight forward and back). This makes the lateral sides of the tip extremely efficient for the “SHAVING” of the calculus. The stroke required is a mirror image of hand instrumentation (with extraordinary results achieved), requiring only very little pressure resulting in no hand fatigue. Often a user will grasp this concept when instructed to scale without stepping on the foot control.
They will instinctively use the side of the tip just like a hand instrument. Now have them continue the same stroke and depress the foot pedal. They will more than likely be pleasantly surprised with the results, quietness of the system and tactile sense preserved. The H3 Tip (in the Intro Scaling Kit) is an excellent tip to convey this concept since it looks just like a hand instrument curette.
The SATELEC ultrasonic provides the greater patient comfort than the Cavitron due to the fact that it works along the tooth structure shaving calculus rather than leaving the tooth and striking it over and over again to bang calculus off.
Q: How long do the tips last?
A: This is a loaded question. The best way to answer is that it's similar to the tires on their car and how often they drive. Most users experience at least 6 - 9 months of use prior to having to replace a tip due to its wear. SATELEC offers the widest variety of tip designs and manufactures the thinnest perio tips on the market. SATELEC was the first company to develop tips with an internal coolant spray, diamond coated tips and carbon composite tips for implant maintenance.
SATELEC manufactures tips for all applications including: Perio, Sub-gingival scaling, Root-planing, Implant maintenance, Bio-film disruption, Cavity preparation, Margin preparation, Condensing of Composites, Glass-ionomers and Gutta-percha points, Conventional endodontics, Re-treatments, Post and Crown removal and Apical surgery. (See Tip Book for more details)
Q: Where do I purchase additional tips?
Q: Does it matter what power level I use for a particular tip?
A: Yes! Once you are sure you have an authentic Satelec tip on your AHP, it is important to use the proper power level. Operating within the correct power level range assures optimal tip vibration (amplitude) for efficient performance during application. Some tips may break when the recommended power setting is exceeded. Rule of thumb is the thinner the tip the lower the power setting. SATELEC features a unique color-coded system (CCS) for their tips to match recommended power settings for each application.
Green: Low power for Sub-gingival scaling, Root-planing, Perio and Implants
Blue: High power for Supra-gingival scaling, Cavity preparation and Margin preparation.
Orange: Very high power for Condensing composites and Removing Post and Crowns.
These power settings correspond with the color-coded power control knob in A-dec units with Standard Touch Pad. (See chart for power settings used with Deluxe Touch Pad.)
Q: Can I use another manufactures' tips be used on my SATELEC?
A: Yes, although SATELEC can only guarantee that SATELEC Tips will give the optimal performance.
Since SATELEC is known in the industry as the market leader of this technology often other manufacturers make their tips to have the same threading diameter as the SATELEC.
Companies tips which fit: Spartan - Endo tips, Tulsa, NSK, EMS - Endo tips
Companies tips which do not fit: Spartan - Scaling tips, EMS- Scaling tips, Amdent, Pro-dentec
NOTE: There are several cheap knock off companies which promote tips that fit our unit. However, the manufacturing standards of these companies are sub par and often tips don't vibrate and can damage the handpiece. Therefore we ONLY recommend our tips. An easy way to tell if it's a SATELEC Tip is if it has a color-coded band.
124 Gaither Drive - Suite 140 - Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: 800-289-6367 - FAX: 856-222-4726
© 2011 - ACTEON North America, All rights reserved.
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