6
STERILIZATION INSTRUCTIONS
Sterilization Instructions
The Obtura Thermal Protectors are designed to provide patient protection from the elevated temperatures
of the heating chamber. Patient contact requires that the Thermal Protectors be sterilized between uses to
prevent cross-contamination issues.
Thermal Protector Sterilization Instructions
1.
Turn off the unit and allow it to cool to room temperature.
2.
Using the Obtura Multi-Tool, disengage the tab on the rear of the thermal protector.
3.
Pull the Thermal Protector off the front of the handpiece.
4.
Place the Thermal Protector in a cassette-style autoclave at 135°C for 10 minutes.
NOTE: The Applicator Needle on the Obtura is not intended for multiple uses. It should be removed after
a single use and disposed of. A new Applicator Needle shall be used for each procedure. Failure to change
the Applicator Needle increases the risk of cross-contamination during a procedure.
5. After replacing the Applicator Needle, Reinstall the Thermal Protector by pressing it onto the front of
the handpiece. Be careful of the Applicator Needle as it is capable of injuring your hand.
By steam sterilizing the Thermal Protector and using a new Applicator Needle every time, you are greatly
reducing the chance of any cross-contamination to your patients.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other aspect of using the Obtura System, please call us at
1-800-344-1321.
Thank you,
Obtura Spartan
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
HEATED
GUTTA PERCHA
SYSTEM
In the control unit, the data stream from the handpiece is read (and the temperature interpreted) by a micro controller.
This builds display data for the LCD and reads the touch-panel. The processor also turns the heating element on and off
several hundred times per second to maintain constant temperature. A “watchdog” processor performs self-diagnostics
for the system.
Power supply voltage never enters the Obtura III MAX, as the voltage is converted to 12-volts DC via an external switch-
mode power supply. Selection and installation of the appropriate plug blade is all that is necessary to configure the unit.
Low-voltage enters the control unit case via a “standard” power supply connector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should the unit be cleaned?
A. The Obtura III MAX should be cleaned at the end of each day or procedural session (see page 6).
Q. How often should the applicator needle be changed?
A. The applicator needle must be changed after each patient operation and when damage is detected or suspected. This is
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to ensure proper operation and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Q. How often should the plunger seal be changed?
A. Observe seal for wear; replace if seal is torn or missing (see page 8).
Q. Why should I only use one pellet of gutta percha?
A. Critical lengths of the mechanical components of the Obtura III MAX have been designed for a single piece of gutta
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percha; using more can cause excessive back pressure and damage (see page 5).
Q. Is the Obtura III MAX Handpiece Autoclavable?
A. No, the Obtura III MAX handpiece is not autoclavable. It should be cleaned using a BIREX-type solution. Only the
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thermal protectors are autoclavable, once removed from the handpiece.
Q. The handpiece trigger is not working, how can I fix it?
A. Incorrect bushing installation can cause the trigger not to work. Make sure the bushing is installed with the small
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indicator line at the 12’ O’ Clock position at the back of the handpiece (see page 8).
Q. Can I leave the needle nut loose so that it can be rotated during use?
A. No, the needle nut is not designed to be used in this manner. The needle nut must always be tightened securely
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before extruding gutta percha (see page 5).
Q. How do I disconnect the Obtura III MAX Handpiece Connector from the base unit?
A. Squeeze the serrated section on the handpiece cord connector (by the triangle) and gently pull back. Connector does
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not turn (see page 9).
Q. Can I use the Obtura III MAX if the display is showing an Error Code?
A. No, your Obtura III MAX unit should be evaluated and repaired if it is displaying an error code on the screen (see page 9).
Q. Is there any way to reduce the force required to extrude gutta percha?
A. Yes, a few options exist. You may try to increase the operating temperature to improve the flow ability of our
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standard gutta percha. Obtura Spartan also sells Flow 150 gutta percha and Resinate pellets that may flow
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more easily than the standard gutta percha.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (AND ANSWERS)
11
135
°
C
