• Lubricate the Handpiece.

  • If the handpiece has been idle for a while, the lubricant may have settled, causing the bearings to become stuck. To address this, try applying a spray lubricant and then running the handpiece. This can help free the bearings and restore the handpiece's effectiveness. 

  • For more information, please visit our maintenance page to learn about the primary causes of handpiece failure.

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• Free Spin Your Handpiece.

  • If the handpiece has been idle for some time, the lubricant may have settled, causing the bearings to become stuck. To help restore its effectiveness, you can try free-spinning the handpiece. To do this, insert a bur and spin it with your fingers. This process can help free the bearings and improve handpiece performance.

  • For further details, please visit our page on "Free-Spin Your Handpiece".

 

• Inspect the O-rings on both the handpiece & coupler.

  • Damaged O-rings can lead to various problems. O-ring debris may travel through the air and water lines, causing clogs. This can result in the handpiece operating at a slower speed, losing torque, or failing to deliver water. Replacing the O-rings is a simple fix that can make a significant difference.

 

• Double-Check Temperature and Time on the Autoclave/Sterilizer.

  • It is essential to regularly check the temperature and time settings on your autoclave or sterilizer.

  • High temperatures can lead to several issues, including the evaporation of lubrication, deformation and breakage of the bearing retainer, and deformation of the chuck mechanisms, which may result in a loose grip on burs. Additionally, you might notice leaks from water line O-rings or gaskets, decreased handpiece speed, reduced torque, and difficulty removing burs. Excessive heat can also produce unusual sounds and shorten the turbine's lifespan. Damage can occur even after just one cycle, regardless of whether the handpiece has been used.

  • Although checking your autoclave's temperature and time may have revealed existing damage, it remains crucial to perform these checks regularly.

  • For further details, please visit our "Understanding High-Speed Bearings" page.

 

• Checking the PSI on Your Unit.

  • It is important to regularly check the PSI on your unit.

  • Excessively high air pressure can create excessive centrifugal force, causing the impeller blades to rub against the inside of the head shell. This friction may lead to cracks in the impeller and potentially severe damage to the handpiece itself. Additionally, high air pressure can cause bearings to overheat, leading to premature bearing failure.

  • The optimal air pressure is around 40 PSI. This level helps maintain bearing speed, allowing the air to cool them effectively during operation.

  • Although checking your unit's PSI level may have revealed existing damage, it remains crucial to perform these checks regularly.

  • For further details, please visit our "Understanding Highspeed Bearings" page.

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