TIPS: 8 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT HANDPIECE MAINTENENCE

1. Too much pressure? Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding air pressure specifications, found in the manual. Higher air pressure does not mean higher performance. Paying attention to the manufacturer’s specifications could avoid serious damage to the turbine, regardless of whether you are working with a high- or low-speed device.  

2. Put down the pliers. Remember to use manufacturer-approved tools on your handpiece, or refer to your manufacturer to have them repaired. Even if pliers seem like the obvious solution to a small problem, this could cause damage to the handpiece, or even void your warranty.

3. Keep wipe-downs simple. Remember to wipe your handpiece down with warm water, or warm water with a mild, manufacturer approved detergent prior to lubrication and sterilization. Using strong chemicals to do this is usually unnecessary, and may even cause problems with chemical interactions during sterilization. Do not submerge the handpiece in any liquid, unless the manufacturer’s manual explicitly directs you to do so.

4. Double-check your port. Make sure you are using the drive air port (the smaller of the two) to apply your lubricant, rather than any other opening in the handpiece. This opening is the only direct path to the turbine.

5. Don’t skimp on the oil. Remember to apply enough lubricant to your handpiece. It may seem logical to keep lubricant to a minimum, avoiding excessive internal residue, but you should make sure you can see the lubricant in the head before you stop application. Usually a two-count is sufficient.

6. Keep it clean. It is crucial to remember to eliminate excess oil to avoid clogged bearings in your handpiece. Run the handpiece for 20-30 seconds, or use an air flush station, after you have lubricated. (In some cases, the excess oil may be discolored, and you can repeat this process until the oil is clear, ensuring a deep clean.)

7. Keep your lights bright. Remember to clean any fiber optic surfaces with a cotton swab and alcohol, preventing the buildup of debris that may affect light transmission. Do not use any sharp instruments to clean the fiber optic ends.

8. Release the tension. Remove the bur and release chuck levers during maintenance and before sterilizing. Compression of any springs and levers during heating may cause them to weaken, shortening the life of your handpiece.

Call Precision Handpiece Repair LLC at 513-293-3341 with any questions. We service Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and may other states.

What causes failure in dental turbines?   •Bearings (specifically the bearing cage) will generally fail first, mostly because of: 1.Debris 2.Excessive air pressure 3.Excessive temperatures during sterilization 4.Side load stress 5.Water from