Patterson dental handpieces are high-quality dental instruments that exhibit the highest level of precision. These instruments utilize either air or electricity in order to successfully generate a rotary-based cutting motion. The dental handpieces offered by Patterson are organized by their unique speed range. The speed range is identified as either “high-speed” or “low-speed”. Certain applications and procedures require high-speed Patterson dental handpieces. Examples include cutting the actual tooth structure and completing restorations. Then, there are applications and procedures that require low-speed Patterson dental handpieces. Examples include removing tooth decay and endodontics. In order to ensure that your dental practice is able to perform all necessary applications and procedures, your dental handpieces must be functional at all times. The following outlines several tips that will allow you to successfully extend the life of your Patterson dental handpieces:
- When cleaning your Patterson dental handpieces, it is imperative that you avoid wiping the product with a chemical-based disinfectant. When placed in a heated environment for the purpose and intent of autoclaving, the chemicals may start to react on the metal casing and result in corrosion.
- When applying lubricant to your Patterson dental handpieces, it is important that it is passed through the head of the instrument. This will ensure that all internal components of the device – such as the bearings – have been properly lubricated.
- The chuck of your dental handpieces should be properly cleaned on a regular basis. This will ensure that excess debris is removed. In taking this step, the mechanism that is responsible for holding the bur in place will remain stable; making it impossible for the bur to come out when a procedure is being performed on a patient.
- Each of your Patterson dental handpieces could include either a fiber optic lens or a LED lens. Each time that you use the instrument, it is very important that you gently wipe this lens with a soft cloth, a sponge, or a cotton swab. This will remove any and all debris in the area. In turn, this ensures that no level of cross contamination occurs with your patients and that the light quality of the lens is not compromised.
- You should always have more than one Patterson dental handpiece in your facility. The reason being is, after using the dental instrument, it must be permitted to have time to cool down completely. Never place your dental handpieces under cold water to speed up this process because it could damage the casing of the unit, as well as the turbine. The recommended minimum number of handpieces you should have is three per operatory.
By following the steps outlined in this brief guide, you will find that you are able to successfully extend the life of your Patterson dental handpieces. It is also important to have your dental instruments serviced regularly to ensure optimal functioning. At Hughes Dental, we have certified dental handpiece repair technicians that have the capability of servicing and repairing all of your Patterson dental handpieces. For more information, give us a call today at: 800-773-0800
