Dental handpieces have evolved in a significant manner throughout the years and remain to be a highly-valuable and vital component of modern dentistry. The basic care, maintenance, and repair of these dental instruments are considered to be essential when it comes to properly preserving the instruments and ensuring its proper functioning.
The traditional-based models that are air-driven are a mainstay among dentists, but, many professionals are now implementing the use of electric-based handpieces.
The handpiece technology that we see today combines the elements of the air-driven models and the electric dental handpieces. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important for clinicians to understand how to care, maintain, and repair these units. In many instances, third party maintenance and repair may be required.
In this basic guide, you will learn the basic maintenance and repair information for electric dental handpieces. Additionally, you will learn how to obtain certified handpiece repair should you feel you lack the knowledge, skill, and/or expertise to perform the work within your dental practice.
Electric Dental Handpieces
Today, dentists are leaning more towards electric dental handpieces than air-driven dental handpieces. There are several reasons for this. First, the electric models are exceptionally quiet. Second, the handpieces may be used in the lab or at the patient chair.
Finally, the maintenance of the electric motors of such devices is considered to be limited and the brushed-based motors are not considered to be autoclavable. In essence, there are two basic types of motors that may be used in dental facilities.
The first is the type that contains carbon-based brushes. The second is the type that does not contain any type of brushes. The type of motor in your dental handpieces will have a large impact on the maintenance and repair steps that you must take:
- If your dental handpieces contain carbon-based brushes, you will need to care and maintain the items more. These brushes have the capability of wearing down. Once the wearing of the brushes start, a type of dust that is composed of carbon is created. It then accumulates within the motor. Immediately, this buildup will prove to be detrimental to the functioning of the motor. Furthermore, the oil that is within the attachment may come in contact with the carbon dust. If this happens, a grease is formed that will be exceptionally difficult to remove. Due to these facts, your dental handpieces should have a motor cleaning and the brushes replaced at a minimum of twice annually.
- If your dental handpieces contain a brushless motor, you will not have any type of motor-related maintenance. This type of handpiece has a magnet system that allows the motor to operate and in a very quiet manner. Furthermore, brushless motors produce less vibration. While it is advised to clean these types of dental handpieces on a regular basis, that is about the extent of the maintenance and care required.
Obtaining Certified Handpiece Repair Services
While many dentists are comfortable performing the care, maintenance, and repairs that are associated with their dental handpieces, there are many instances in which the facility would rather obtain certified handpiece repair services in order to handle these tasks.
Today, one of the most reputable certified handpiece repair providers is Hughes Dental Handpiece Repair and Sales. Not only will we maintain your handpieces, but, we will replace any part that is necessary, clean your devices, and back our service with a guarantee. Simply contact Hughes, a certified handpiece repair specialist, today for more information on the basic maintenance and repair of your dental handpieces: 800-773-0800
