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Diaphragm Pumps Enable the Future of Dentistry Through Lasers

KNF diaphragm pumps are helping OEMs harness laser technology for dental applications. These systems could make drilling a thing of the past.

For many patients, visiting the dentist can bring about fear and uncertainty. From drilling to filling teeth to treating gum disease, many people avoid receiving the care they need. Even something as simple as a routine cleaning can be cause for anxiety. Rapidly improving laser technology is reshaping the way dentists perform these procedures and allowing for new ways to help their patients.

A New Wave of Dentistry

Laser dentistry applications involve the use of narrow, focused beams of light energy to perform simple and complex dental procedures. There are many advantages of choosing laser dentistry over more conventional options. Patients typically heal faster from procedures and there is less risk of damage to both hard and soft tissue. The risk of bleeding is reduced and the potential need for sutures is greatly reduced. In many cases, laser dental procedures do not even require anesthesia. They also tend to provide a more pleasant experience for both patients and medical staff, as they are free of the excessive drilling noises and vibrations commonly associated with dental procedures.

Wide Range of Procedures

Lasers can detect cavities early and prepare teeth for fillings, often without the need for drilling or anesthesia. They can kill bacteria in cavities and can be used to clean and disinfect root canals. Laser technology can be used to recrystallize dentin, the material directly underneath the enamel of the tooth, making it a strong option for reducing tooth sensitivity. Cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening, veneer removal and debonding are also possible.

 

Applications are not limited to just teeth. Dentists can use laser technology to treat gum disease and lengthen crowns. They can be used to regenerate nerves or blood vessels and remove infected gum tissue while reducing aftereffects of more conventional dental procedures. Laser technology is also used in oral surgery treatments, including frenectomies, leukoplakia removal and apicoectomy. They allow surgeons to perform these complex procedures with minimal invasiveness and bleeding, resulting in faster healing and fewer post-operative complications. 

KNF’s NPK 09 is a swing piston gas pump that plays a vital role in laser dentistry applications, generating the compressed air required to create a spray mist.
KNF’s NPK 09 is a swing piston gas pump that plays a vital role in laser dentistry applications, generating the compressed air required to create a spray mist.

KNF Gas Pumps Enable Laser Technology

KNF gas pumps serve an important role in laser dentistry. They are used to generate compressed air, which is then mixed with water to create a spray mist. This mist helps cool the part of the mouth being treated. Both the NPK 09 and NPK 09.1.2 are essential for this process. These swing piston gas pumps feature oil-free operation with a high performance to size ratio and outstanding reliability. They offer flow rates of 15 l/m or 24 l/m respectively, with both pumps offering a maximum pressure of 7 bar (rel.).

 

Customizations help these pump series perform more ideally in laser dentistry applications. The NPK 09 can be fitted with special motors, while the NPK 09.1.2 can be fitted with a brushless DC motor with a twin shaft and fan, as well as with scored intermediate plates to balance pressure conditions to help the pump start against vacuum or pressure.

Liquid Diaphragm Pumps Also Factor In

Liquid diaphragm pumps also have a critical function in laser dentistry applications. Pumps like the FMM 20 can be used to cool the lasers, typically with desalinated water. The FMM 20 is dry-running, self-priming and maintenance free. It offers a maximum flow rate of 0.018 l/m, with a maximum pressure of 1 bar (rel.) and maximum suction height of 3 mH20.

Dentistry Continues to Evolve

Laser dentistry applications are rapidly improving and becoming increasingly common. KNF gas and liquid diaphragm pumps help facilitate these new and innovative procedures, which aim to improve patient outcomes when visiting the dentist. More cutting-edge applications to further improve the patient experience could very well be on the horizon.

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