The W&H Synea TA-98L™ fiberoptic high-speed handpiece is imported from Austria and distributed by A-dec. The handpiece has a standard-size turbine head with triple-spray cooling. It is designed for use by clinicians who routinely perform procedures that make significant demands on their handpiece (e.g., prosthodontists, general dentists with high-volume restorative practices, etc.). The handpiece utilizes the W&H 924 Roto Quick Coupler, which provides 360-degree swivel and easy interchangeability of handpieces. The fiberoptic bulb is inside the handpiece to reduce the distance from the source light from the handpiece head. In addition, the fiberoptics have been changed to a solid glass rod that is claimed to provide considerably brighter light and longer durability than W&H's previous fiberoptic technology. The handpiece has a push-button autochuck and can be heat sterilized in either an autoclave or chemiclave. The free running speed is reported to be 350,000 RPM at 45 psi. A pressure regulating screw is standard that allows the handpiece to be used with air line pressures of either 32 psi or 45 psi. Use of the handpiece at 32 psi reduces power by 20%. The turbine is field replaceable to reduce handpiece down time, but A-dec recommends returning the handpiece to them for servicing. The W&H Synea TA-98L™ (including coupler) measures 14 cm in length and weighs 2.6 ounces. The handpiece head diameter and length are 11.5 mm and 14.4 mm, respectively. The distance from the back of the handpiece to the tip of a standard 19-mm bur is 22.8 mm (i.e., interocclusal clearance). The handpiece is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for twelve months.
The W&H Synea TA-98L and 98LW performed better than average for most parameters evaluated. At 16.5 watts it is the most powerful handpiece tested by DIS. The concentricity of the unit ranked in the top half of all those reviewed. The turbine only requires lubrication before sterilization and the turbine is field replaceable. The handpiece accepts air line pressures of both 32 and 45 psi. The noise level of the unit was 64 decibels, which falls well below the maximum 8-hour, 85-dB(A) exposure limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Although all of the turbines were still functioning after 1,000 simulated clinical uses/sterilizations without any degradation of power or speed, 17% of the chuck mechanisms (1 out of 6) failed. Improved fiberoptics in the TA-98LW model retained 80% fiberoptic transmission after 1,000 uses, while the 98L model only retained 24% transmission and also required frequent bulb replacement. The increased turbine size resulted in decreased visibility and access.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
