Handpiece Care and Maintenance
EMC Dental suggests these Steps for Maximizing Performance of you Handpiece.
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommended pressure settings for your handpiece model. Most handpieces run between 30-40 psi. Running the handpiece at higher pressures will decrease the life of the bearings.
- Clean the outer casing with warm water and a soft bristle brush. Do not use strong soaps or detergents. You can wipe the handpiece with a damp cloth and some isopropyl alcohol. Do not soak handpiece in an ultrasonic cleaner, unless manufacturer specifically recommends to do so.
- Now lubricate the handpiece with lubricant. Usually apply 2 bursts around 3 seconds each if using spray type lube, or 2-3 drops of other types of lubricant. Ensure you are spraying into proper port. This is in the supply port, not the larger exhaust port.
- Insert a bur into the chuck and secure. Attach the handpiece connector or use the flush system.
- Run the handpiece at half-speed for 20 seconds. Point the handpiece into a cloth or flush bag when purging. This will remove the excess lubricant and loose particles that may be present inside handpiece. The lubricant expelled from the handpiece should be clear. If lubricant is not clear, repeat the steps above. Removing the excess lubricant and loose particles from inside the turbine casing will prevent damage to the bearings during the heat sterilization process, and prolong turbine life.
- Before putting handpiece into sterilization pouch, clean the fiber optics lenses with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Any debris on fiber optics will attach itself to lenses during the heat process.
- Now, remove the bur, and insert handpiece into sterilization pouch, or follow manufacturer's instructions for proper sterilization procedure. You should place the pouch with the paper side up to allow moisture to dissipate from inside the pouch. Try not to stack pouches on top of each other. After the sterilization process is complete allow the handpiece to cool down.
- Some handpieces require lubrication after sterilization. If this is the case, use a different lubrication can and nozzle (in order to prevent cross-contamination) and spray 1 burst for 2 seconds, or 2-3 drops.
- Insert a bur into the handpiece and run at half-speed for another 20 seconds. Wipe any excess lubricant with a clean gauze or cloth. Remove the bur.