A condenser, also known as a plugger, is a dental instrument with flat working ends designed to pack restorative material into cavity preparations. Composite pluggers are often Teflon coated to prevent sticking and discoloration of restorative material. The endodontic plugger is similarly used to pack and condense gutta percha points in the canal.
Comparison Table 1: Comparison of Pluggers and Condensers by Features
| Product Name | Design Number | Handle Type | Manufacturer Name | Number of Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6/7 Serrated Black’s Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | 6/7 | Standard | NORDENT MANUFACTURING CO | Double |
| Blacks Plugger Double End Alabaster Gray 0/1 Smooth | 0/1 | N/A | PDT INC | Double |
| #4/5 Black Serrated Double End Condenser/Plugger | 4/5 | Standard | Premier Dental Products | Double |
| #1 Hollenback Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | 1 | Standard | American Eagle Instruments | Double |
| #2 Hollenback Serrated Tips Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | 2 | Standard | J&J Instruments Inc. | Double |
| #2 Mortonson Smooth Double End Condenser/Plugger | 2 | Standard | Premier Dental Products | Double |
| #2/3 Black Double End Smooth Condenser/Plugger | 2/3 | Standard | Premier Dental Products | Double |
| Blacks Plugger Double End Alabaster Gray 1/2 Serrated | 1/2 | N/A | PDT INC | Double |
| #3 Oregon Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | 3 | Standard | American Eagle Instruments | Double |
| #0 Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | 0 | Standard | American Eagle Instruments | Double |
Comparison Table 2: Comparison of Pluggers and Condensers by Features
| Product Name | Tip Material | Tip Shape | Tip Diameter | Tip Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6/7 Serrated Black’s Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Oval-shaped serrated blades | 3.5mm | Serrated |
| Blacks Plugger Double End Alabaster Gray 0/1 Smooth | Stainless Steel | N/A | 1.0mm, 1.5mm | Smooth |
| #4/5 Black Serrated Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Elliptical | 1.3mm, 3mm | Serrated |
| #1 Hollenback Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Round | 1mm, 1.5mm | Smooth |
| #2 Hollenback Serrated Tips Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Round | N/A | Serrated |
| #2 Mortonson Smooth Double End Condenser/Plugger | N/A | N/A | 0.9mm, 1.1mm | Smooth |
| #2/3 Black Double End Smooth Condenser/Plugger | N/A | Round | 2.5mm, 3.65mm | Smooth |
| Blacks Plugger Double End Alabaster Gray 1/2 Serrated | Stainless Steel | N/A | N/A | Serrated |
| #3 Oregon Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Round | 1.3mm, 2.3mm | Smooth |
| #0 Standard Handle Double End Condenser/Plugger | Stainless Steel | Round | 1mm, 1.3mm | Smooth |
Top 10 Amalgam Carriers in Dentistry
1. # 6/7, Serrated, Black’s, Standard Handle, Double End
Condenser/Plugger is used to pack amalgam or other filling materials into cavity preparations.
- Made of hardened stainless steel
- Terminal shanks are angled at 50° to the center line of the instrument
- 2 identical oval-shaped, serrated blades set at opposing angles
- The blades measure 3.5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick
- Also works well as an orthodontic band pusher
- Provides years of trouble-free service
Design Number: 6/7
Handle Diameter: 1/4″
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Shape: Round
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: NORDENT MANUFACTURING CO
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Top 10 Amalgam Burnisher in Dentistry
2. Double End, Alabaster Gray – 0/1, Smooth
Blacks Plugger is designed to condense composite and amalgam materials. It is highly polished to provide a nonstick tip that saves time and reduces frustration.
Design Number: 0/1
Handle Material: Resin
Manufacturer Name: PDT INC
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm
Tip Material: Stainless Steel
Tip Texture: Smooth
3. # 4/5, Black, Serrated, Double End
Amalgam Condensers/Pluggers are specially designed instruments to plug and place amalgam without risking injury to sensitive tissue.
Design Number: 4/5
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: Premier Dental Products
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 1.3 mm, 3 mm
Tip Shape: Elliptical
Tip Texture: Serrated
Tip Type: Black
4. # 1, Hollenback, Standard Handle, Double End
Condensers/Pluggers are designed for compacting all types of filling materials into cavity preparations.
- Precise tips for all procedures
- State-of-the-art heat treating assures you of many years of service
- Stainless steel 1/4″ round standard handle
Design Number: 1
Handle Diameter: 1/4″
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: American Eagle Instruments
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 1 mm, 1.5 mm
Tip Material: Stainless Steel
Tip Shape: Round
Tip Texture: Smooth
Tip Type: Hollenback
5. # 2, Hollenback, Serrated Tips, Standard Handle, Double End
Hollenback Condenser #2 with serrated tips is made of high quality surgical steel. This pneumatic mechanical device was developed by George M. Hollenback to supply a compacting force.
Design Number: 2
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: J&J Instruments Inc.
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Shape: Round
Tip Texture: Serrated
Tip Type: Hollenback
6. # 2, Mortonson, Smooth, Double End
Amalgam Condensers/Pluggers are specially designed instruments to plug and place amalgam without risking injury to sensitive tissue.
Design Number: 2
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: Premier Dental Products
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 0.9 mm, 1.1 mm
Tip Texture: Smooth
Tip Type: Mortenson
7. # 2/3, Black, Double End – Smooth
Amalgam Condensers/Pluggers are specially designed instruments to plug and place amalgam without risking injury to sensitive tissue.
Design Number: 2/3
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: Premier Dental Products
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 2.5 mm, 3.65 mm
Tip Shape: Round
Tip Texture: Smooth
Tip Type: Black
8. Double End, Alabaster Gray – 1/2, Serrated
Blacks Plugger is designed to condense composite and amalgam materials. It is highly polished to provide a nonstick tip that saves time and reduces frustration.
Design Number: 1/2
Handle Material: Resin
Manufacturer Name: PDT INC
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Material: Stainless Steel
Tip Texture: Serrated
9. # 3, Oregon, Standard Handle, Double End
Condensers/Pluggers are designed for compacting all types of filling materials into cavity preparations.
- Precise tips for all procedures
- State-of-the-art heat treating assures you of many years of service
- Stainless steel 1/4″ round standard handle
Design Number: 3
Handle Diameter: 1/4″
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: American Eagle Instruments
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 1.3 mm, 2.3 mm
Tip Material: Stainless Steel
Tip Shape: Round
Tip Texture: Smooth
Tip Type: University of Oregon
10. # 0, Standard Handle, Double End
Condensers/Pluggers are designed to compact all filling materials into cavity preparations.
- Precise tips for all procedures
- State-of-the-art heat treating assures you of many years of service
- Stainless steel 1/4″ round standard handle
Design Number: 0
Handle Diameter: 1/4″
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Type: Standard
Manufacturer Name: American Eagle Instruments
Number of Ends: Double
Package Quantity: 1/Pkg
Tip Diameter: 1 mm, 1.3 mm
Tip Material: Stainless Steel
Tip Shape: Round
Tip Texture: Smooth
