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Dental Handpieces – Standard Care Practices

dental-turbinesDental handpieces are commonplace in today’s dental practice. Dentistry is a challenging, busy, and highly demanding field. The dental handpieces utilized within the practice – regardless of whether they are high speed devices or slow speed devices – are considered to be highly regarded products that will allow you to perform a large assortment of tasks within your practice for several years; however, in order to bring all of the years of service into your practice, it is imperative that the dental handpieces you use are cared for in a proper manner. By reading through the instructions received from the manufacturer of the dental handpieces that you use, you will find information on how to properly use the devices, instructions on lubricating the handpieces, and how to utilize the dental instruments during autoclaving procedures. By continuing to read this guide, you will learn additional standard care procedures that will enhance the functionality and lifetime of your dental handpieces:

  • When you elect to operate dental handpieces, it is imperative that you make certain that a bur is in place on the device and that it is completely secure. This is the only manner in which dental handpieces should be operated.
  • Many dentists will increase the air pressure of their handpieces in order to optimize performance. It has been established that increasing the pressure does not result in optimized performance; instead, it has been proven to be highly detrimental to the turbine associated with the device. You should always make sure that the pressure is not in excess of 35 PSI.
  • There are several different components associated with your dental handpieces. The main ones include the bur, the collet, and the chuck. When operating your devices, you should ensure that a bur is in place. Once the bur is secured, you may then tighten the chuck of the device. If the bur is not in place and you try to tighten the chuck, you will find that the collet becomes damaged. Additionally, when the handpiece is in operation, be certain to avoid depressing the push button. If you do this, the chuck mechanism may be released, which could result in the release of the bur.
  • Prior to conducting any and all autoclave cycles, your dental handpieces should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. The threads and the knurls of the handles may be cleaned with a toothbrush and hot water, with a tad of soap. You should avoid cleaning your handpieces with products that contain acids, phenols, and any type of chlorine as these substances may completely destroy metals through corrosion. The exterior surfaces of the products should not be cleaned with a germicidal cleansing agent as they may enter the head of the handpiece leaving behind a residue similar to varnish. It is preferred that the exterior of the handpiece be wiped with isopropyl alcohol. Never remove the turbine when cleaning your handpiece.

If your practice follows these standard care procedures for dental handpieces, you will find that the lifespan of the devices and their performance is prolonged. If the staff within your facility is not comfortable with these standard care procedures, you may hire us to perform these measures. Simply call us today at: 800-773-0800

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