How to extend the life of dental handpieces?
1. Always properly clean the fiber optic/LED lens, especially after use, but as a preventive measure, too (once in a while it’s useful, even if the dental equipment hasn’t been used). It’s important to run under water and gently wipe with a sponge to remove all outer debris, after each and single use on a patient. Ignoring this procedure will create a buildup on the lens and poor light quality. Embedded debris can also be removed, using a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.
2. Remove the bur when cleaning and lubricating, because the bur in the chuck while lubricating prevents the lubricant from flowing where it needs to go to ensure proper coverage of the dental bearings. It’s not the case to do so, only if the dental handpiece utilizes a wrench-activated chuck. Also, remove all burs prior to sterilization. In the autoclave, during the process of sterilization, the springs in the chuck are compressed. The high temperatures will cause these compressed springs to weaken under tension. Debris can also accumulate around the chuck, causing it to corrode and shorten the life of the dental instrument.
3. Make a rule to expel excess lubricant, after lubricating and before autoclaving, by running the dental handpiece for at least 5 seconds. This part is vital. If the handpiece isn’t run to expel the lubricant, it can cause a gumming effect around the turbine where it will be essentially baked in. The excess lubricant will come out during the first use after autoclaving.
4. Let the coxo dental handpiece cool down by itself. Remember to never run the handpiece under cold water to quickly cool it off. This damages the turbine almost ever time, it’s better to let it cool in normal conditions.
5. Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines on air pressure and follow them strictly, as excessive air pressure could cause damage to the turbine bearings.
6.Always maintain a properly working dental autoclave. It’s important for the quality of your dental equipment, and for the health of your patients, at the same time.
If you’ll make sure to learn these tips and educate your crew to use them, too, your handpiece will serve you for a long time.
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