Airotor Torque vs RPM: What Matters More for Dental Cutting?

Airotor Torque vs RPM: What Matters More for Dental Cutting?

When it comes to choosing the right airotor for clinical procedures, dentists often ask: “What’s the RPM?” But is RPM the only thing that matters for efficient tooth cutting? Not quite. To truly understand cutting performance, we need to consider both torque and RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)—and more importantly, how they work together.

What Is RPM?

RPM refers to how fast the airotor’s bur spins. Traditional air-driven airotors can reach speeds of 300,000 to 450,000 RPM, making them ideal for fine and fast cutting.

Higher RPM generally means:

• Smoother cutting for enamel and dentin
• Less vibration
• Quicker removal of tooth structure

However, high RPM alone is not enough. If torque is low, the bur will slow down under pressure—especially when cutting harder materials like crowns, amalgam, or during gross reduction.

What Is Torque?

Torque is the rotational force that keeps the bur turning even when resistance increases. Think of torque like the strength behind the spin. High torque ensures:

• Consistent cutting speed under pressure
• Less chance of stalling
• More precise control during bulk reduction

Many dentists now prefer electric handpieces due to their lower RPM but significantly higher torque compared to traditional airotors.

So, Which One Is Better for Cutting?

✅ For fine, fast enamel cutting:

High RPM airotors work well—especially when prepping cavities or finishing margins.

✅ For heavy-duty cutting (e.g., crowns, bridges, hard tissue):

High Torque is more important. It prevents the bur from slowing down and helps cut efficiently with fewer passes.

In short:

• RPM = Speed
• Torque = Strength
• Best cutting = Balance of both

Why Are Dentists Still Asking for RPM?

The focus on RPM comes from a long-standing habit. For decades, dental catalogs and reps marketed airotors based on “maximum RPM.” Many dentists equate high RPM with performance, but that’s only half the story.

Educated clinicians now realize that torque is the hidden hero behind efficient cutting—especially in procedures involving ceramic or metal restorations.

Final Thought

When choosing an airotor, look beyond just the RPM. Ask about torque performance, especially under load. A well-balanced airotor with adequate torque and stable RPM will not only cut better—but also last longer and reduce chairside time.

At BRIXO, we focus on delivering reliable, non-LED push-button airotors with excellent cutting power at an affordable price—designed for real-world clinical use in India. BRIXO – The NAME you can TRUST