Keep Your Tools Running Smoothly
Dental handpieces are essential tools in any practice, but they can be costly to replace and repair. With some basic knowledge of how these devices work and the best ways to maintain them, you can significantly extend their lifespan and reduce expenses. Here’s a comprehensive guide on maintaining your dental handpieces, focusing on high-speed turbines, proper lubrication, and more.
How High-Speed Turbines Work
High-speed turbines, powered by air, are the most common handpieces in dental practices. The turbine inside is the only moving part, consisting of two bearings, two O-rings, and a spindle/chuck that holds the dental bur.
Key Components:
- Bearings: These are the heart of the turbine, made up of an outer race and an inner race with ball bearings in between. Any debris caught here can wear down the bearing retainer, causing the handpiece to malfunction.
- Chuck and Bur Tube: The chuck holds the dental bur, while the bur tube is the sleeve supported by the bearings that rotates when air is applied.
Maintenace Tips for High-Speed Turbines
- Manage Air Pressure
Maintaining correct air pressure is crucial for the longevity of your handpiece. Too much air pressure can damage the bearings and cause early failure. Most dental units come with built-in gauges, but they may not be accurate enough. Consider using an inline pressure gauge to get a precise reading and adjust the air pressure according to the handpiece manufacturer's guidelines.
- Proper Lubrication
Regular lubrication is essential to keep your handpiece in top shape. Follow these steps to ensure proper oiling:
- Before Autoclaving: Always lubricate the handpiece before it goes into the autoclave.
- Where to Apply Oil: Oil should go into the smaller of the two large holes (the air intake), never into the exhaust or water coolant holes.
- Use an Aerosol Spray: This ensures that oil reaches all necessary components, especially the bearings.
- Run Out Excess Oil: After lubrication, run the handpiece to expel any excess oil to avoid it turning into residue that could damage the bearings or cause contamination in the patient’s mouth.
For more information on the proper lubrication of handpieces, check out our Handpeice Lubrication Guide.
- Chuck Maintenance
To keep the chuck working smoothly, lubricate it regularly to prevent rust and ensure easy bur changes. Once a week, put a drop of oil into the bur slot and clean it with a small brush to remove any debris.
Should You Invest in a Handpieces Oiling Machine?
Automatic lubrication devices can save time and provide consistent results. These machines can oil multiple handpieces simultaneously. However, these machines can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the convenience they offer.
Autoclaving Tips for Handpieces
Sterilisation is critical, but using the right type of autoclave and pre-cleaning can make all the difference in extending handpiece life.
- B-Class Autoclaves: These machines are the best for dental practices, meeting European Standard 13060. They use a vacuum pump to remove air, allowing steam to penetrate effectively, which results in quicker sterilisation cycles.
- Pre-Cleaning: Handpieces should be rinsed under cool, running water to remove debris before sterilisation, but never cleaned with an ultrasonic bath.
Electric Handpieces: What to Watch For
Electric handpieces, unlike air-driven ones, are powered by a motor and contain multiple moving parts. This means more potential for wear and tear, so it’s essential to pay close attention to how they operate:
- Smooth Operation: The bur should insert smoothly without grinding or resistance.
- Noise: Electric handpieces should run quietly and smoothly. Any unusual sounds could indicate a problem.
- Temperature Check: If the handpiece feels excessively hot, it might be malfunctioning.
When lubricating electric handpieces, use the same process as with air-driven turbines, but be mindful that electric handpieces require less oil.
What to Do When Your Handpiece Breaks
While DIY repairs, such as replacing or rebuilding the turbine, are possible, they often lead to more costly issues down the road. Sending your handpiece to the manufacturer or a trusted repair service is generally the best and safest option.
Conclusion
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your dental handpieces, reduce the frequency of repairs, and ensure they operate efficiently. Proper lubrication, managing air pressure, and knowing when to send your handpiece for professional repair will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your practice running smoothly.
