High-Speeds
Before explaining handpiece maintenance, it is important for you to understand the operation
of a high-speed handpiece. When a highspeed handpiece is running, it exhausts air from the top
and bottom of the cutting head. When the user lifts off the rheostat (foot peddle), the momentum
of the handpiece is reversed. When the handpiece shuts down, the turbine aspirates debris
including tooth dust, amalgam and other fine particles into the head of the handpiece.
It is just as if the particulate matter becomes a fine material with similarities to that
of sand. And we have all heard the affects of a sand blasting procedure. You can imagine
how dirty a handpiece turbine can get if this debris is not flushed out of the head after each
use and prior to autoclaving. Unless it is removed, the debris can potentially bake around the
turbine and it parts resulting in premature failure when put into use.
High-speed Infection Control
High-speed handpieces need to be cleaned and lubricated between every patient. Begin by cleaning
the outer shell of the handpiece using a mild soap and water or alcohol. Never use any
disinfectants, because any petroleum based residue not removed can compromise the
function of a turbine, autochuck, retainers, and bearings.
Remove the bur, (which should be sterilized separately) you should cover the head of the
handpiece with a spray guard or paper towel, and then spray the handpiece with a high-grade
synthetic lubricant using the appropriate applicator. Insert the nozzle into the swivel
backend or the back of a 2/4/5-hole handpiece.
Next, insert a bur and run the handpiece on an air station or handpiece purging station for
10 to 20 seconds (once normal speed {approx. 400K RPM} is reached) to flush the debris out
of the turbine before autoclaving. Repeat these steps as necessary until the lubricant runs
clear. (If you are using lube-free handpieces, you can skip the lubricant and the purge
station.) Never run a manual/standard handpiece on the purge station without a bur installed.
Finally, remove the bur and insert the handpiece into a bag and sterilize it. If you are
using half paper and half plastic bags, remember to put the paper side up for easy evaporation.
Never use dry heat and always remember to wait until the handpiece has gone through the
complete drying cycle. (The handpiece must then be immediately removed from this environment
to prevent excessive exposure and overheating.) After lubing an autochuck it is recommended
to put a handpiece on your purge station or run it without a bur in the chuck so that any loose
debris can be flushed out. Do not do this with the manual chucks as they can back out of the
spindle and jam in the cap.
Low-Speeds, Attachments and Scalers
For low-speed handpieces, attachments and air scalers, you want to use lubricant in an eye
dropper once or twice a week or as recommended by the manufacturer. Put a drop of lube on any
direction (forward and reverse) or lock collars--any points where the handpiece can swivel or
turn 360 degrees. We recommend putting lube on all connection threads as well.
For swivel-type motors, you'll need to use an E-type or swivel-type nozzle adapter. When
applying the lubricant into a 2/4/5-hole handpiece with an eye dropper, use the drive air
tube only.
Just remember these four steps:
- clean
- lubricate
- run
- sterilize
