Frequently Asked Questions About the Touch 'n Heat

• What size is the smallest tip?


• How hot can the tip get?


• Isn't this high temperature dangerous?


• What is the normal power setting?


• How long will the tip last?


• How does the touch switch work and why do I need a contact clip?


• What kind of batteries are used?


• How long do the Touch 'n Heat batteries hold a charge?


• When will the batteries have to be replaced?


• Are there other uses for the Touch 'n Heat?

What size is the smallest tip?

The smallest tips we have are the narrow posterior and narrow anterior tips. They both correspond to a #40 file. The straight portions of the posterior and the anterior tips are 18mm and 21 mm respectively. They are made from material of the same taper.

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How hot can the tip get?

At maximum power, a tip in the air can reach about 1200F to 1400F in approximately 8 seconds. You can adjust the heat down to about 100F by using the lowest power setting. A chart included in the instruction guidelines shows how the tip temperatures depend on the power setting.

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Isn't this high temperature dangerous?

Like a dental drill, needle, or scalpel, the unit should only be used by a trained dental professional. You should use the high heat setting to sear off gutta percha in the lateral condensation technique where a cluster of cones are cut through. The high heat is also useful in preventing gutta percha from sticking to the top in the vertical condensation technique. The idea is to transfer a relatively large amount of heat in a very short time (1-2 seconds), so that the tip can be withdrawn while it is still hot. If you want to remove gutta percha, you should use a lower heat setting; i.e. a cooler tip.

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What is the normal power setting?

The maximum heat setting should be used only when searing off gutta percha. For vertical condensation, we recommend a power setting in the range of 6-8.

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How long will the tip last?

It depends on how well you take care of the tip. The life of the tip can be reduced by a. running it too hot for long periods of time, or b. by bending, or putting too much mechanical force on the tip. The tips should only be used to transfer heat, not condense gutta percha. We recommend a cold plugger for that.

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How does the touch switch work and why do I need a contact clip?

A spring extending backward from the pinvise mount completes the circuit by making contact with the probe shaft.

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What kind of batteries are used?

The Touch 'n Heat uses sealed lead-acid batteries. Unlike the common nickel-cadmium batteries, you should never run down the lead-acid batteris completely. Total depletion will destroy them. Touch'n Heats have a low battery light to prevent this from happening. Always keep the unit on charge when not in use.

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How long do the Touch 'n Heat batteries hold a charge?

The Touch 'n Heat battery will last 30-40 minutes and can be recharged in 8 hours. For your safety, the Touch 'n Heat is designed not to function while being charged.

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When will the batteries have to be replaced?

The battery manufacture specifies an estimated life of 3-5 years when kept properly charged. When the batteries are depleted, the must be removed and replaced by Sybron Endo since they are soldered straight into the unit.

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Are there other uses for the Touch 'n Heat?

Yes, besides being used for heat sensitivity testing of both vital and non-vital teeth, practitioners have reported that the Touch 'n Heat works very well as a cauterizer to stop bleeders. It can also be used to cut and shape plastics.

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