Dental handpieces are a highly sophisticated instrument which requires a huge amount of diligence when it comes to maintenance protocols. Proper and standard maintenance will keep the instruments running smoothly, ensuring optimal safety, and also ensure the highest level of service for the practice.
Dental handpiece back cap are very essential for modern practice and well-maintained instruments run fast, work smoothly, last longer and help to create a better practice for you and your patients. The guidelines for dental handpiece maintenance recommend that dental professionals clean and heat sanitize the instruments that can be removed from the air and water lines of dental units. To assure patient safety, the end user should read and follow the instructions given for care and use. Below is a guide for dental handpiece maintenance.
Cleaning: Before first use and after each patient, you should clean and remove debris from dental handpieces. When you clean after the use of the patient, important considerations are necessary. You need to run the handpiece for 20-30 seconds and clean any air and dust remaining. Disconnect the handpiece from air tubing, wipe down the handpiece and clean the fibre optic lighting surface using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Lubricating the handpiece: Oil should be sprayed directly into the air line until it is emitted from the head of the handpiece. It helps you to ensure that all the internal bearing has been lubricated properly. Remember to use pressurized oil to push the oil through the dental handpiece, or else the bearing will not be impacted. For Dental slow speed handpiece lubricants may spray into the handpiece from below.
Run the handpiece after lubrication: Once the oil has been dipped into the tube, operate or run the handpiece for about 10 seconds before proceeding with the next treatment. Running the hand pics will help to distribute the oil equally through the bearing and chuck mechanism. Once installed, you only need to access compressed air.
Sterilization: When you are done seeing your patient for the day, use a separate sterilization bag to keep the handpieces in. Make sure; do not pack the unit with any other instrument. Remember to sterilize in an autoclave between 130-165 degrees Celsius only. Do not exceed the temperature. Allow the instrument to cool before using it on another patient. Never use a handpiece before it cools down and allow it to cool down naturally. Check that the air supply is clean and dry. Make sure to clean, lubricate and sterilize your handpieces after every patient. Following the steps with correct care and maintenance will avoid premature handpiece failure.