What are the types of tabletop dental autoclave?

Here are the primary types of tabletop dental autoclaves:

--Gravity Displacement Autoclaves
Steam enters the chamber, forcing air out downward by gravity.
Best for sterilizing solid instruments like forceps or scalpels.
Simpler operation and generally more affordable.
Not ideal for hollow or densely packed instruments due to potential air pockets.

--Pre-Vacuum (Dynamic Air Removal) Autoclaves
Uses a vacuum pump to actively remove air before steam injection.
Ensures deeper steam penetration for complex items (e.g., handpieces, lumened tools).
Faster cycle times compared to gravity types.
Preferred for clinics with high-volume instrument turnover.

--Steam Flush Pressure Pulse (SFPP) Autoclaves
Alternates steam flushes and pressure pulses to eliminate air pockets.
Effectively sterilizes porous loads and tightly wrapped instrument packs.
No vacuum pump required, reducing maintenance needs.
Balances performance and reliability for medium-demand clinics.

--N-Class Autoclaves
Basic models designed for unwrapped, non-hollow instruments.
Uses simpler gravity displacement cycles only.
Suitable for small clinics with straightforward instrument sets.

--B-Class Autoclaves
Incorporates a vacuum pump for sterilizing wrapped instruments and hollow items.
Handles complex loads: packs, pouches, handpieces, and tubing.
Required in regions with strict infection control standards.

--S-Class Autoclaves
Falls between N and B types in capability.
Sterilizes specific wrapped items and some hollow tools (per manufacturer guidelines).
Clinic must match instruments strictly to the unit's validated uses.