The bottled sources have the advantages of portability, and are generally less expensive on the initial purchase. Long term, the units using gas cylinders may be more expensive than the compressor driven air machines due to gas replacement costs. Blood pressure monitoring at 1 minute intervals increases the safety of anesthesia delivery The location of the compressor is an important consideration in human dental offices the air compressor is far away from the dental units which are connected with air hoses. In most veterinary offices the compressors are at the dental delivery table. Noise becomes an important concern.
Some compressors cycle every two or three minutes with disagreeable roaring sounds.
When considering the compressor location make sure the area is accessible for servicing and adding oil to cool the machine. Dental handpieces contain the mechanism to turn the bur at high speeds. There are many systems used to attach the bur onto the end of the handpiece. We use the wrenchless push button type where thumb pressure is used to disengage the bur. Other systems require a wrench or key to place and replace the bur.