The scaler’s handpiece is compatible with the complete range of SATELEC tips. A combination of 9 dentists and hygienists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of the SATELEC P5 Newtron XS, rating such features as ease of use, irrigation pump, and effectiveness.

Ease of Use

When asked to rate ease of use, 5 evaluators rated the P5 Newtron XS as excellent, 3 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. One evaluator said it was “very simple to master,” another said “the handpiece was easy to hold,” and a third said the instructions were “easy to follow.” One evaluator said the unit was easy to use “but the tank was messy.” Another said having to screw the tips on and off was “time-consuming.” All piezoelectric scalers require users to screw tips on and off.

Irrigation Pump (Flow Rate, Noise Level, and Tank)

Three evaluators rated the P5 Newtron XS irrigation pump flow rate as excellent and 6 rated it as very good. Comments included “controllable” and “easy to adjust,” and 1 evaluator called it “excellent,” noting the lack of a heavy water flow. Another evaluator said the flow rate seemed higher than what he expected, adding that “the patient’s face tends to be sprayed” during work on the anterior facials. The manufacturer recommends a drip-by-drip flow rate when scaling to avoid overspray The pump’s noise level was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators, as very good by 2, and as good by 4. One evaluator said “there was no noise,” one called it “very quiet,” and another said it was “a bit noisy and hummed at times.” Two evaluators rated the convenience of the 300- mL pump as excellent, 6 rated it as very good or good, and 1 rated it as fair. One evaluator said the tank “made it easier to transport the unit,” 3 noted the ease of changing or adding solutions, and 1 said the tank was “easily filled and rinsed.” One evaluator said “a larger tank might cut down on the number of needed refills.”

Handpiece (Comfort and Noise Level)

When asked to comment on the weight, balance, and temperature of the P5 Newtron XS handpiece, 1 evaluator called it “perfect,” adding that it was “easy to move and never got hot.” A second evaluator noted that the “thickness prevents hand fatigue.” Three evaluators rated handpiece noise level as excellent and 6 rated it as very good or good. One evaluator called it “the quietest unit I’ve ever used.” Another said it was quiet, but when it touched the tooth it was “a little too noisy and bothered some patients.”

Tip Selection

Based on a sample selection of tips, 4 evaluators rated adequacy of tip selection for the P5 Newtron XS as excellent, and 5 rated it as very good or good. One “loved the tip selection” and 2 commented on the “wide variety” and “great selection.” Another evaluator said “the cases were wonderful for protecting and organizing the tips, the color-coordination helped with dialing in the speeds, and I didn’t need extra tools for tightening.” Another evaluator “especially liked the green gracey tip for sensitive patients and root planing.”

Effectiveness (Calculus Removal and Endodontic Procedures)

Evaluators described the effectiveness of calculus removal with the P5 Newtron XS as “excellent” and “very effective.” One evaluator said it was “especially reliable for removing subgingival calculus,” adding that “the pockets were very well debrided.” Another reported that “calculus removal seemed to take longer.” Two of the 6 evaluators who used the scaler in endodontic procedures rated it as excellent, 1 rated it as very good, and 3 rated it as good. One evaluator said it “worked well to irrigate pulp chambers,” and 1 said “canal shaping and removal of posts and gutta percha was easily and effectively accomplished.”

Overall Satisfaction

Reliability of the P5 Newtron XS was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators, very good by 4, and good by 2. One evaluator reported achieving “consistent results.” Another said there was “lots of vibration when the power was high.” The device’s ability to meet clinical needs was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, very good by 3, and good by 2. It was described as “great” and “wonderful,” and one evaluator said “I’m not looking forward to giving it back!”