Top things to know for dental handpiece maintenance

Posted by Confidental Equipment on June 12th, 2021

Properly functioning dental equipment like dental handpieces or drills are crucial to maintaining a pleasant, efficient dental practice. Unluckily for you and your patients, insufficient maintenance is the leading cause of their premature failure - which means giving up on them before they're even reached their used by date! Below we will discuss how you can clean and lubricate your handpieces to make sure these devices work as well as possible so longevity can be achieved. If you find that this task is beyond you, the team at Confidental have a great team with over 25 years of experience to help you.

Bring the pressure down

You must read over your manual for specific instructions about which air pressure is ideal and what type of device you're working with. Just because you have a high-pressure system doesn’t mean that you can run it at full power all the time. Using your handpiece at the suggested levels will ensure that you get the best life of it.

Less is more

Remember to wipe your handpiece down with warm water, or warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Strong chemicals are not necessary and may cause reactions during the sterilization process. You mustn't submerge an electric power tool in any liquid unless instructed by its manufacturer's manual.

Careful with your tools

It's important to use manufacturer-approved tools on your dental handpiece or refer to the manufacturer. Damaging it with pliers could void the warranty and cause more damage than good!

Oil is good

Remember to apply enough lubricant. It might seem logical not to use too much since there are risks of excessive residue and all that jazz, but you should make sure the head is well-lubricated so it doesn't get stuck on your handpiece during a procedure.

Cleanliness

Cleaning any fibre optic surfaces is important. Fibre optics can be affected by debris and need to have the extra care of a cotton swab with alcohol applied carefully. Do not use sharp instruments which could damage this delicate equipment.

The following list should help you escape some of the common mistakes associated with your dental handpiece or dental drill maintenance. First and foremost, follow your manufacturer's instructions for proper care methods when determining what to do during lubrication or sterilization cycles. If it is a specific product that has its own set of guidelines, then those will take precedence over any outside sources in deciding how best to maintain this piece after each use. If you have any questions at all in regard to caring for your dental handpiece, Confidental have a quality team and with same day service your days of handpiece problems are over.