Electric Micro Motor in Dentistry: Benefits for Dentists and Patients
Short text about the use o MME in Dentistry
Francisco Rehder
3/17/20256 min read
Dentistry has evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most notable advancements is the replacement of traditional pneumatic motors with electric micro motors, a technology that is increasingly present in dental offices, bringing benefits to both dentists and patients.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages of the electric micro motor, its appeal to dental professionals, and how it improves the patient experience.
What is an Electric Micro Motor?
In dentistry, the use of micro motors is essential for procedures that require precision and control. These devices can be classified into two main types: pneumatic micro motors and electric micro motors. The primary difference between them lies in how energy is generated and converted into rotation for operating dental handpieces.
The pneumatic micro motor operates with compressed air as an energy source. This air is supplied by a compressor and channeled through hoses to the motor. The system works as follows:
Compressed air intake: Pressurized air enters the motor through a set of control valves inside the dental unit.
Rotation generation: The compressed air is directed to a vane system inside the motor. These vanes are small blades that expand due to the force of the air, generating rotational movement, commonly known as a rotor.
Speed transmission: The rotation generated in the motor is transferred to the handpiece, where it can be reduced or increased as needed through an activation pedal. The maximum speed of a pneumatic micro motor typically ranges between 20,000 and 25,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) without load, with a torque ratio usually around 1.1N/cm.
Despite having a lower acquisition cost, the pneumatic micro motor has limitations, such as a higher noise level (due to compressed air circulation), limited speed control, and reduced torque control (losing power when facing resistance). Additionally, it has high air consumption, requiring an efficient compressor.
On the other hand, the electric micro motor, as the name suggests, uses electrical energy to generate rotation. It consists of an internal motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement. The operation occurs as follows:
Electric current intake: Electricity reaches the motor through the dental unit and is modulated by an electronic controller.
Rotation generation: The electric current energizes coils inside the motor, creating a magnetic field that interacts with an internal rotor, making it spin.
Speed and torque transmission: The motor rotation is directly transferred to the handpiece (rotor) and can be precisely adjusted via a control panel.
Electric micro motors (EMM) can reach speeds between 100 and 40,000 RPM, and some advanced models, when coupled with multiplying handpieces, can exceed 200,000 RPM with torque up to seven times higher than high-speed turbines.
Since speed generation is not based on compressed air consumption, electric motors operate with minimal noise and vibration, allowing precise speed control while maintaining high torque, enabling more efficient, faster, and precise cutting.
What Problems Does It Solve for the Dentist?
The EMM is a powerful ally in many clinical situations where the dentist may need high torque and precision at both high and low speeds. Unlike a pneumatic micro motor and turbine, where speed control and torque levels are limited, the EMM offers a versatile solution, whether for carious tissue removal, restoration polishing at low speeds, composite or amalgam removal, or prosthetic preparation.
One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects when discussing rotary instruments is that each procedure often requires burs, cutters, and discs that have specific usage indications and speeds for optimal performance. Only with the EMM can professionals confidently apply the correct torque and speed ratio, leading to superior results and reduced procedure time.
What Improved Experience Does It Provide for the Patient?
One of the most common concerns among patients is the fear or discomfort caused by the notorious "drill noise," which generates anxiety and discomfort. In this regard, the EMM is a valuable asset since speed generation is based on electrical induction rather than compressed air, leading to a substantial reduction in noise levels. This feature significantly impacts comfort perception and anxiety reduction, with many patients not even noticing that the motor is in operation. This is particularly relevant in pediatric treatments, where it also helps reduce working time. Additionally, lower noise levels in the dental office benefit both the dentist and the team, enhancing the overall work environment.
Why is LED Illumination an Essential Feature Today?
Visual acuity challenges are a daily struggle for dentists, who increasingly use magnifying lenses to enhance detail visibility, ensuring better finishing and refinement. Digital dentistry continues to push professionals to improve the quality of dental preparations. Patient mouth-opening limitations and anatomical positions become even more challenging when poor lighting compromises visual clarity in the work field. The EMM, however, offers an illumination system capable of delivering 10,000 lux of high-quality light, significantly enhancing detail visibility and enabling more precise and faster clinical procedures.
Why is Irrigation Quality Important?
A major limitation of pneumatic motors is irrigation quality, especially when external and not passing through the contra-angle head to generate a spray. Inadequate or absent irrigation in a motor-contra-angle set can cause several issues, affecting clinical results as well as patient comfort and safety. Key risks include:
Pulp damage and post-operative sensitivity: Excessive heat generated without irrigation can lead to pulp necrosis, increasing the likelihood of requiring endodontic treatment.
Risk of microfractures in the tooth or bone: Overheating without proper cooling can cause microcracks in dental enamel or manipulated bone areas, compromising structure and treatment longevity.
Premature wear of burs and handpieces: Lack of irrigation increases friction, accelerating wear on burs and internal handpiece components, reducing their lifespan and increasing replacement costs.
Higher risk of infection: Ineffective irrigation can lead to bacterial buildup in the operated area, increasing post-operative infection risks.
Reduced procedural visibility: Without adequate irrigation, debris removal is impaired, making the work field less visible and hindering clinical precision.
With the EMM, the internal irrigation system ensures proper cooling, minimizing these risks. It can also be deactivated in procedures where irrigation is unnecessary, such as restoration polishing.
Advantages of Electric Micro Motors for Dentists
Greater Speed and Torque Control: Allows precise adjustments, essential for delicate procedures like minimal enamel reduction and cavity preparation.
Less Vibration and Noise: Operates more quietly and smoothly than pneumatic motors, reducing stress and anxiety levels in patients.
Improved Performance: Provides continuous power, increasing precision and efficiency, enabling refined preparations at low speeds with high torque.
Versatility and Adaptability: Compatible with a wide range of procedures, from prophylaxis to endodontics and implantology, with various handpiece connections.
Precision and Safety: Stable rotation reduces overheating risks and structural damage due to an advanced internal irrigation system.
Patient Benefits
Reduced Discomfort: Lower vibration and noise improve the patient experience, particularly for those with dental anxiety.
Faster Procedures: Enhanced efficiency shortens treatment time, benefiting patients who seek quick and effective care.
Better Post-Procedure Recovery: Precise torque and speed control minimize tissue damage, ensuring a smoother, less painful recovery.
The NLX Nano Electric Micro Motor by NSK: An Example of Excellence
The NSK NLX Nano is one of the most advanced models available, offering a combination of power and precision. Key features include:
High Power and Stability: Maintains consistent torque under load.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Reduces dentist fatigue.
Universal Compatibility: Connects with various handpieces.
Smart Control Technology: Automatically adjusts speed and torque for optimal performance.
Low Noise and Vibration: Enhances comfort for both patient and dentist.
The NLX Nano covers a wide range of speeds and is compatible with both optical and non-optical contra-angles. With a torque of 3.4 N.cm, the NLX Nano operates at speeds ranging from 100 to 200,000 rpm, making it highly versatile and suitable for any clinical procedure by simply adjusting the speed transmission of the contra-angles.
The NLX Nano also features an LED lighting system with an intensity of 32,000 lux, which can be adjusted off, low intensity, or full intensity—allowing the lighting to be tailored to the needs of the procedure. With a standard INTRA coupling system and an internal water spray, its micromotor is made of titanium, making it lighter (14g) and 25mm smaller than conventional micromotors, providing comfort and balance during use. Its brushless micromotor operates through magnetic attraction forces rather than contact brushes for electrical energy conversion, eliminating the need for lubrication. Additionally, the micromotor is autoclavable.
The NLX Nano is also a portable and easy-to-install electric micromotor system (MME). No technical assistance is required—simply connect the Borden (2-hole) or Midwest (4-hole) terminal of your dental office to the NLX Nano console, plug in the power cable, and it's ready to use, activated by the chair's foot pedal. In Brazil, most dental offices use Borden terminals, while MMEs with equipment connections are Midwest 4-hole, so it is necessary to use the T912 adapter, which is easily available from equipment distributors and usually included in the product kit.
Conclusion
The integration of electric micro motors into dental practice represents a significant advancement, providing improved control, precision, and patient comfort. Innovations like the NSK NLX Nano highlight the potential of this technology, making it an essential investment for modern dental offices. As dentistry continues to evolve, electric micro motors will play a leading role in transforming the field.