Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy direct from American Eagle Instruments?
American Eagle does not sell direct to the public; however, customers may submit their orders to American Eagle’s knowledgeable and friendly Customer Service department for expedited processing with invoicing through American Eagle’s Dental Distributor/Dealer partner of their choice.
Please call 1-800-551-5172 to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable American Eagle associate. Our staff will help make sure you order precisely what you want and assure your complete satisfaction.
Where are American Eagle instruments made?
All American Eagle Instruments are manufactured in Missoula, Montana. The surgical product line (bone files, Rongeurs, scissors, syringes, root elevators, tissue pliers, retractors, needle holders, and scalpel handles) is manufactured to our exacting standards in Germany.
Does American Eagle Instruments guarantee its products?
American Eagle Instruments stands behind its entire product offering 100%. If a customer does not believe that American Eagle Instruments are of the finest quality, the unsatisfactory product may be returned for exchange or credit. This is our unconditional guarantee. However, this generous policy is not meant to be a replacement program. Returned instruments that are well beyond their life expectancy - or those products which have been sharpened incorrectly, with no defect in materials or manufacturing, or products that have been customized, re-tipped, or modified - are not considered for replacement or credit. All AEI products have a date of manufacture (lot number) marking.
Do American Eagle instruments contain nickel?
American Eagle is fully aware of the potential for allergic reactions that can be linked to dental instruments. All of American Eagle’s curette and scaler working ends are nickel free. Our stainless steel handles (Z & ZC handles) do contain 8 – 10.5% nickel.
I have saved up many Eagle Feathers. May I still redeem them?
Yes – The American Eagle Feather promotion will always be honored. Simply send 20 Eagle Feather coupons, along with your instrument selection request, to receive one new instrument FREE. (equal or lesser value)
The described problems are inherent and consistent with excessive heat, and the use of cleaning products that contain Phenols. Phenol-based cleaning solutions are known to cause damage to all resins and plastics – regardless of how well-made the item is. Plastic resins cannot maintain integrity when subjected to phenol. Subjecting resin handles to excessive heat (beyond 300°F) is unnecessary for proper sterilization. American Eagle’s medical-grade plastic resin handles will outlast the instrument tip as long as phenol-based cleaning agents and excessive heat are avoided.
What makes XP TechnologyTM instruments different from stainless steel or carbon steel instruments?
XP Instruments are manufactured with a patented surface engineering process which hardens and encapsulates the tips with a diamond-like layer. XP Technology is a revolutionary new development for the Dental Industry. This process enables clinicians’ months of use without sharpening. An independent stroke test confirms that XP Technology can provide 10 times the number of strokes, with only 1/10th the wear.
XP instruments seem sharper than my standard steel instruments, why is that?
They are sharper! XP Technology instruments have a very fine, sharp, smooth edge that has been designed to make root planing more efficient. This is why one must take care not to abuse these instruments on margins or overhangs - or by breaking away difficult calculus.
Why are XP curettes thinner than standard curettes?
Many dentists and hygienists prefer, and ask for, thinner instruments to provide better subgingival care. There’s no longer a need to sharpen and whittle instruments down to make them suit the clinician’s preferences for thinner instruments – the XP Technology instruments are thin, right out of the package.
Do I need to change the way in which I scale or root plane?
No – you will find that using XP instruments will enable you to use less force and a lighter grasp. Calculus is easily removed with 4-6 planing strokes. You will be amazed by the comfort and effectiveness.
Do XP instruments require special care during cleaning and sterilization?
Yes - American Eagle suggests using cassettes, along with our AEI Ultrasonic Cleaner (AEUC0.5/30). Avoid allowing instrument tips to touch while soaking in ultrasonic solution; this will prevent unnecessary damage caused by the electrolysis reactions inherent between dissimilar metals coming into contact with one another. American Eagle recommends a neutral pH detergent (pH7). Refrain from subjecting instruments to chlorine, chloride, and sodium-chloride (salt) solutions. Autoclaving, or dry-heat sterilizing, instruments prior to cleaning only bakes debris into the instrument’s surface – causing discolorations and corrosion. Only place clean, dry instruments into the sterilizer – sterilization is not a substitute for cleaning. Avoid temperatures in excess of 300°F – it is unnecessary and can be damaging to precision instruments. Proper care and maintenance can greatly extend the longevity and performance of all dental hand instruments.
Do we need to take special care while using XP instruments, to get maximum life out of them?
Yes – XP Technology instruments are designed for fine subgingival scaling and root planing. Their performance characteristics are best realized by clinicians who use them as a follow-up to ultrasonic scaling. Lightly plane away calculus with 4-6 strokes. Avoid using XP instruments on margins, overhangs, amalgam, or composite. Avoid using XP to break away heavy calculus.
Can I sharpen the XP instrument when it gets dull?
Due to the thin blade design of XP instruments, American Eagle does not recommend sharpening XP Technology instruments. When the instrument becomes dull, simply replace it with a new one.
How will I save money by using XP instruments?
First, time is money! You will never need to sharpen your XP instrument so the time and effort spent on sharpening can be used to treat additional patients, or to catch up on charting. Second, when handled properly, XP instruments should last longer than standard instruments - eliminating frequent purchases.
The gold color is simply a coincidental byproduct which results from the blending of titanium and steel.
How long do XP instruments last?
Many factors influence the longevity of XP instruments, such as the number of instruments in the set-ups; the total number of set-ups; how often the instruments are used; how many individuals use the instruments; and whether the instruments are maintained according to the XP care and use recommendations. Most clinicians report that XP instruments last as long as, or longer than, standard steel instruments, yet they never have to be sharpened.
I noticed some staining on my XP instruments. What is causing this?
Prolonged exposure to chlorine or sodium-based solutions can cause a rusty, flaky, or pitted appearance. Prolonged exposure to alkaline-based solutions can cause brown filmy deposits to form. American Eagle suggests thorough rinsing and drying of all instruments prior to sterilization. Autoclaving or dry-heat sterilization of instruments, prior to cleaning, only bakes debris into the instrument’s surface – causing discolorations and corrosion.
Only place clean, dry instruments into the sterilizer – sterilization is not a substitute for cleaning.
I have heard that Missoula Montana is known for the Griz. What is a Griz?
Griz is the moniker for The University of Montana Grizzlies – well known for their sporting achievements in Football, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Basketball.
What is the best time of year to visit Montana?
Anytime is the good time. However, the best time to catch good weather is throughout the summer months – and our National Parks (Glacier and Yellowstone) are certain to be open in the summertime.
From the Bitterroot to the Madison rivers, or from Flathead Lake to the Ft. Peck Reservoir, you are certain to have a great fishing experience in Montana.
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