SAFETY SUMMARY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO BE READ BEFORE OPERATING THE SYSTEM
This manual should be carefully reviewed prior to use of the PrepStart™. Misuse of the PrepStart
may result in hazards to personnel, including injury or death. Misuse or failure to properly maintain
the PrepStart will result in poor performance and shorten the unit life. The PrepStart is intended for
professional use only.
EYE PROTECTION
Protective eye equipment should always be worn by patients and staff during air abrasive
use. Loops and other optical and mechanical equipment must also be protected. Wash
off particles from optics, do not rub them off.
OFF - SAFETY POSITION
Always switch the PrepStart off when not in use to prevent accidental activation. The
pressure switch is located in the back of the PrepStart (down position is off) (see fig. 4.2).
The pressure gauge will indicate pressure status.
RISK OF EMBOLISM
Pressurized air directed at gingiva or pulpal exposures can induce an air embolism. A
rubber dam or other barrier is essential for procedures where direct or rebounding air and particles
can contact the gingiva (such as class V).
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
While aluminum oxide is rated as a "nuisance" dust, unnecessary inhalation of any
1.0 PREPSTART SETUP & USE
1.1 Contents
PrepStart H
O
PrepStart H
O Unit (1), Handpiece and 0.019" Nozzle (1), Foot Pedal
2
2
(1), Air Inlet (1), Airline/Water Tubing (1), 1 lb. Aluminum Oxide
27 µm (1)
PrepStart
PrepStart Unit (1), Handpiece Kit: Handpiece (1); 0.015" Nozzle, 80° (1);
0.019" Nozzle, 80° (1), Foot Pedal (1), Air Inlet (1), 1 lb. Aluminum
Oxide 27 µm (1)
1.2 INSPECTION
1. Upon arrival inspect the PrepStart and components for possible shipping damage. Report
damage immediately to the shipper and send a copy of your report to your dealer or
Danville.
2. Inventory all components.
1.3 AIR SOURCE
Only clean, dry air is required for operation. The filtration / desiccation system in the PrepStart
can be overwhelmed by excessive moisture content resulting in poor performance. Adequate
filtration and water traps are essential.
Supply pressures of: 80 psi (5.3 bars) is minimum. 100 psi (6.6 bars) is ideal. 125
psi (8.3 bars) is maximum. If necessary, a technician can normally adjust the compressor's
operating pressure range to a higher level. An increase in compressor pressure should not
affect other equipment as each cart is separately regulated. Another alternative is the Power
Plus™ pressure booster accessory that will double pressure up to 125 psi (8.3 bars).
Adequate volume of air flow is as equally important as static pressure. Inadequate flow
volume will result in a significant pressure drop when in use.
Test: Set the PrepStart at, or close to, 100 psi (6.6 bars). Install a .019" tip. Watch the pressure
gauge when the foot pedal is activated. No more than a few pounds (1/10 bars) of pressure drop
should be noticed.
If a far greater pressure drop is noticed, the air lines from the compressor may be undersized
or there are other flow constrictions. Use of the Power Plus™ air booster will only increase the
problem as it also consumes air during use, greatly increasing the flow demands of the PrepStart
alone. New tubing runs can easily be installed if necessary, using flexible polyethylene.
A female quick disconnect kit is provided for installation on the full pressure airline located in
the junction box or cart (the same disconnect as supplied for the Microetcher™). Instructions
are included with the disconnect kit. Label similar disconnects that are for water to avoid
accidental connection. Connect the PrepStart to the air source using the double ended male
disconnect air line provided.
1.4 FOOT PEDAL CONTROL
Connect the foot pedal to the back of the PrepStart, (see Fig. 4.2) color-coding of the
connectors must be observed or leaking will result. Operation of the pedal should produce
a crisp on/off abrasive flow.
SAFETY SUMMARY
particulate is undesirable. Persons with respiratory problems, such as asthma, should
avoid exposure.
When a rubber dam is not used, the patient should be asked to hold his breath during
the actual intervals of abrasion. A damp cloth is ideal to protect the patient's eyes and nose, or
goggles may be used. Aluminum oxide can be swallowed without harm. Standard surgery masks
protect the staff. Do not use on amalgam due to the resulting aerosolizing of mercury alloy.
PRACTICE - EXTRACTED TEETH
Use of the PrepStart is very similar to a high speed handpiece. The primary difference being no tactile
sense, necessitating a 'cut and look' technique. Dwelling too long in one spot can accidentally induce
a pulpal intrusion. Practicing on extracted teeth is highly recommended. When confidence is gained,
proceed to small class I & V restorations. Most report the technique is easy to learn.
RECOMMENDED ABRASIVES
It is recommended that only Danville 50 and 27 micron abrasives be used as they are dry,
high purity alpha alumina and specially formulated for maximum performance. Other powders can
result in poor performance or equipment damage, powders other than alpha alumina should never
be used based upon health concerns. Abrasives readily absorb moisture from the air and become
thickened which results in plugging. Keep abrasives tightly capped. Dry abrasive should flow like
water. Moist abrasive will 'avalanche' when poured or even clump. Tan color abrasives will stain
white surfaces. Never reuse spent powders. Both microns are ideal for all applications; 50 micron
cuts slightly faster, 27 is considered by some to induce less sensitivity.
SECTION 1 – PREPSTART SETUP & USE
1.5 ABRASIVE FILL
Maintaining proper abrasive fill is essential for good performance. Low abrasive
levels in chamber (<1/3 full) will result in low powder flow and poor cutting.
1. Flip the switch down in back of PrepStart (see Fig. 4.2) to shut off the air and vent the
system. The pressure gauge should read zero. Unscrew the reservoir cap.
2. Check the brass cap inside jar for correct micron size before adding powder. This cap tunes
the PrepStart for the abrasive size and is marked: 27 or 50.
3. Fill up to, but not over, the brass cap, to prevent excessive flow.
4. Clean the threads before replacing the reservoir cap. The cap should be screwed down,
sliding over the primary o-ring, until it seats against the secondary filter inside the lid. Do
not over tighten.
(Powder removal is accomplished by turning the PrepStart upside down.)
1.6 HAND PIECE
Screw the gray hand piece line into the port in the lower front of the PrepStart, and connect to
the hand piece body. Connect the selected nozzle to the hand piece. The hand piece will 'click
in' magnetically to the top of the PrepStart.
1.7 NOZZLE SELECTION
Two nozzles are included: .015" and .019" @ 80 deg. Other sizes and angles are available.
.015" for highly minimal preps. Slow cutting
.019" for general use.
.026" highly aggressive cutting, broad surface etching.
1.8 PRESSURE SETTINGS
The pressure is turned on/off by the toggle switch in the back of the PrepStart. The pressure is
adjusted by turning the lower knob (see Fig. 4.1), on the front panel, and can be observed on
the gauge. Cut speeds increase dramatically with pressure. Increasing pressure from 80
psi to 100 psi will almost double the cutting speed. However lower pressures, of 80 psi or less
will greatly reduce sensitivity in dentin. Often, higher pressure is used to rapidly cut through
the enamel, then reduced when in contact with dentin. If sensitivity persists, use of a lower
pressure is advised.
110 psi (7.3 bars) = Suggested maximum
80 psi (5.3 bars) = Ideal, low sensitivity cutting
40 psi (2.7 bars) = Light cutting, diagnostic etch & aggressive stain removal
1.9 ABRASIVE SETTINGS (See Fig. 4.1)
The PrepStart mixes abrasive depending upon the volume of airflow, like a carburetor.
Therefore, the abrasive flow rate is automatically adjusted as air flow rates change (tip size or
pressure changes). Adjustments are to reduce cut speed from a maximum cut to a light etch.
Middle settings allow cutting with reduced abrasive use.
Full on to ¾ on = Normal cutting
Full off = Light cutting, diagnostic etch & aggressive stain removal
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