A dental turbine is a critical tool used in many dental procedures. Therefore, choosing the right one is essential. Here's what you need to know about this instrument:

How a dental turbine works: The turbine relies on compressed air pushed through the unit's tubes to the handpiece, which hits the blades and makes the rotor spin. The compressed air comes from a compressor that compresses air up to 8 bar inside a tank. As the air is used up, the pressure drops to about 5 bar, at which point the compressor restarts to increase the pressure again.

Each dental unit has a reducer to control the compressor's pressure, keeping it constant. 

In addition, a proportional valve regulates the pressure delivered to the instrument, allowing flow regulation through foot control. The dental turbine operates at a pressure of 2 to 3 bar.

The turbine has a rotor, spindle, wheel, bearings, and seals. It is connected to the compressed air tubes of the unit using quick couplings, making it easy to replace for cleaning and maintenance.

The turbine's high speed of up to 400,000 rpm and friction generates extreme heat levels. The turbine's cooling system uses simultaneous air and water irrigation to cool it down.

How to select a quality dental turbine:

When choosing a dental turbine, you must consider many factors to avoid selecting the wrong instrument. Here are some of the aspects to evaluate:

• Material: For durability and to withstand the dynamic stress of surgery, choose a steel or aluminium alloy handpiece.

• Shape, surface, and head of the turbine: The handpiece must feel comfortable in the dentist's hand and have a smooth handle for easy cleaning and disinfection. The smaller the head, the better it fits in the patient's mouth, resulting in better visibility for the dentist.

• Power and low-noise operation: Choose a rotor capable of high power and cutting capacity to overcome the strong resistance opposed by the material to be cut or removed.

• Vibrations and noise level: Poorly built turbines cause discomfort to both the dentist and the patient due to vibrations and noise. High construction quality, ceramic bearings, and LED lighting minimize vibrations and reduce sound pressure.

• LED lighting: Choose a turbine with an LED light that can directly reach the turbine head to provide adequate dental care lighting. The life span of the diode is far superior to that of halogen light and emits white light that does not alter the colour of the teeth and tissues.

• Air and water coolant circuit: Choose a turbine with three or four irrigation points arranged radially concerning the bur. This allows a stable spray mist that cools the operating area and clears debris from the material removed by the turbine.

• Dental turbine maintenance and lubrication: Regular maintenance, efficient lubrication, and following the manufacturer's instructions ensure longer life and consistent performance.

Choosing a quality dental turbine is essential to avoid replacing it frequently. Cheap models that use poor construction quality or cheap materials can damage internal components. Clean and sterilize the turbine regularly to ensure consistent performance.