Otis Singleton
Electric dental air turbines are essential tools in dentistry, used for cutting and drilling teeth. They are characterized by their small size, light weight, and high-speed rotation, which allows for painless abrading. However, they are susceptible to breakdowns due to the corrosive nature of repeated heat and cool procedures during sterilization. This has led to an increase in the need for repairs. Repairs can be done in-house or by external repair services, with the former often proving more cost-effective. To repair electric dental air turbines, it is important to understand their composition, which includes bearings, O-rings, washers, and chucks. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection, can help extend the lifespan of these tools and reduce the need for repairs.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Dental Air Turbine Repair
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Warranty | Manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 6 to 12 months. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, is vital for optimal performance and longevity. |
| Troubleshooting | Having a troubleshooting guide can help identify common issues and their solutions, such as decreased power. |
| Repair Complexity | Repair complexity varies between brands. For example, Bien Air Turbines have four pieces, making them more challenging to service than single-piece alternatives. |
| Disassembly | For disassembly, heat the push button zone to soften the glue and use a wrench to unscrew the back cap. |
| Cleaning | Proper cleaning is essential to remove dirt, powder, and saliva from the internal parts. |
| Replacement Parts | Non-original replacement parts, such as push buttons, springs, and inner caps, are available from specific suppliers. |
| Lubrication | Lubrication per manufacturer recommendations is crucial for smooth operation and minimizing friction. |
| Sterilization | Sterilization is mandated by the CDC but makes equipment susceptible to breakdowns. Modern handpieces have improved seals and engineering to minimize debris accumulation. |
| Cutting Efficiency | Electric handpieces have varying cutting efficiency compared to air-turbine handpieces, depending on the material being cut. |
| Speed | Electric handpieces may have slower cutting speeds than air-driven handpieces but can still achieve high RPMs (over 180,000 RPM). |
| Torque | Electric handpieces have higher torque and can remove bulk material quickly. |
| Noise | Electric handpieces are quieter than air-driven handpieces, providing patient comfort. |
| Cost | Repair and replacement costs can be significant, so proper maintenance is essential for reducing expenses. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric handpiece lubrication and flushing
Electric dental handpieces require regular lubrication and flushing to ensure they are functioning optimally and to extend their lifespan. Proper lubrication helps to keep friction, heat, and wear away from the internal components of the handpiece, resulting in smoother operation, reduced vibration, improved efficiency, and longer instrument life.
There are two main types of dental handpieces: lubricated and LubeFree. Lubricated handpieces require meticulous lubrication after each use to maintain their performance, and the choice of lubricant is critical to ensuring optimal performance. It is recommended to use a high-quality lubricant such as Star DentaLube II for lubricated handpieces. LubeFree handpieces, on the other hand, do not require lubrication and can save practices money and time on lubrication products and procedures over their lifespan. However, if a LubeFree handpiece is lubricated even once, it will need to be lubricated after every subsequent use.
The lubrication process for electric dental handpieces involves applying oil to the handpiece, either through a spray or dropper oil system, and then running the handpiece briefly to expel excess oil. This can be done using a handpiece flush station, which is an air-powered countertop unit that enhances normal maintenance procedures in the sterilization area. A flush station simplifies the process by allowing the handpiece to be pressed down on a trigger device to run air through it after lubrication, eliminating the need to return to the operatory to attach the handpiece to tubing.
Alternatively, automatic handpiece maintenance machines can be used to speed up the lubrication and flushing process. These machines can hold multiple handpieces and require only the press of a button to activate, freeing up staff time. They ensure a consistent application of a measured amount of lubricant to each handpiece and often include a separate chuck cleaning port to shoot pressurized cleaner/lubricant into the chuck. However, they can be a significant investment, with costs ranging from $1,800 to $3,000, and they require a compressed air line to operate, as well as electrical power for certain features.
Regardless of the lubrication method chosen, it is essential to have a consistent system in place and to consult the Information for Use (IFU) for model-specific lubrication and maintenance instructions to ensure optimal performance and longevity of electric dental handpieces.
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$195.99
Turbine replacement and repair
High-speed dental air turbine handpieces are used for cutting and drilling teeth. They are characterised by their small size, light weight, and high-speed rotation, which allows for painless abrading. However, they have low torque and produce loud noise levels.
Air-driven high-speed handpieces can rotate anywhere from 200,000 rpms to 800,000 rpm, but the actual cutting power is typically 30% less than that of its rotating counterpart. This slower rotation is called Free Speed or Active Speed, as it applies pressure without completing a cut, allowing for precision work.
When it comes to turbine replacement and repair, it is important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as this can indicate their confidence in the product and their repair process. The cost of turbine repair is often incurred shortly after the warranty expires, so it is important to consider this when purchasing a new turbine. Additionally, proper care and maintenance can extend the life of a turbine. For example, it is important to flush electric handpieces with the head down to ensure debris removal, and automatic purge units can help ensure an adequate flush.
When repairing or replacing dental turbines, it is also important to consider the potential benefits of switching to electric handpieces, as dentistry is moving towards increased use of these. Electric handpieces have high torque and can remove bulk material quickly. They are also quiet and provide patient comfort. However, there is limited research comparing the cutting efficiency of electric and air-turbine handpieces.
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Sterilization and disinfection
Cleaning:
Before disinfection or sterilization, it is crucial to clean the dental air turbine to remove debris, blood, saliva, and other organic contamination. This step can be done using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe down the external and internal surfaces, including the fiber-optic lighting surface and the back of the handpiece where it connects to the air tubing. It is important to clean the handpiece as soon as possible after patient use to prevent unhygienic buildup.
Disinfection:
High-level disinfection is recommended for semicritical items that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. While dental handpieces are typically heat-sterilized, if a handpiece is heat-sensitive, it should be replaced with a heat-tolerant or disposable alternative. If neither is available, high-level disinfection should be performed. Do not use chemical wipes, disinfectant sprays, or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the handpiece and cause corrosion or premature failure.
Sterilization:
Heat sterilization is the recommended method for dental air turbines. Autoclave sterilization, which involves the application of moist heat (steam) or dry heat, is commonly used in dental settings due to its effectiveness, minimal equipment requirements, low cost, and reliability. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for sterilization, as outlined in the user manual, to ensure compatibility with heat sterilization. The CDC emphasizes the importance of proper sterilization, stating that if a handpiece cannot be heat sterilized according to its instructions, it should be prohibited from use.
Record-Keeping and Staff Training:
Dental practices should establish schedules and document their cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures to ensure proper maintenance and reduce equipment failures. Staff should be properly trained in infection control procedures and keep good cleaning and maintenance records. The CDC recommends that dental health care personnel (DHCP) with training in reprocessing steps be assigned to cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization tasks to ensure patient safety.
Additional Considerations:
To further enhance the sterilization process and prevent contamination, it is recommended to run the turbines in idle for a few seconds after a procedure to clear any contaminants from the inner systems. Additionally, proper lubrication of handpieces can reduce friction and blockages, increasing the lifespan of the equipment.
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Troubleshooting common issues
High temperatures
If the handpiece feels too hot, it may be a sign of malfunction. High temperatures can be caused by improper lubrication, which can lead to increased friction and subsequent heat generation. To address this, consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations on lubrication type and frequency.
Excessive noise and vibration
Excessive noise and vibration can indicate an issue with the turbine's bearings or O-rings. Check for damage or wear to these components and replace them if necessary. Proper lubrication can also help reduce noise and vibration, so ensure the turbine is lubricated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Decreased power
A common issue with electric dental air turbines is decreased power. This can be caused by several factors, including worn bearings, damaged O-rings, or a build-up of debris or corrosion in the turbine head. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including the replacement of worn or damaged parts, can help prevent and address this issue.
Blockages and debris
Dental air turbines can become blocked with debris, such as tooth powder and saliva. This can lead to decreased performance and increased wear on the turbine. To address this, disassemble the turbine and clean all internal parts thoroughly. Flush electric handpieces with the head down to ensure effective debris removal.
Malfunctioning buttons
If the push buttons on the turbine are not functioning properly, it may be due to the glue used in their assembly. To repair this, carefully heat the button area to soften the glue, then use a wrench to unscrew and disassemble the button. You can then clean or replace any damaged components before reassembling the button.
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Understanding warranties and repairs
Warranties
Dental handpiece manufacturers typically offer warranties ranging from 6 to 12 months for turbines. The warranty period is an indication of the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality and reliability. It is worth noting that the warranty for replacement turbines begins on the date of insertion and requires registration within 12 months of purchase.
Repairs
Minor turbine malfunctions can sometimes be addressed in-house with basic cleaning and minor adjustments. Familiarizing yourself with the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide can help identify and resolve common issues efficiently. However, for more complex issues, it is advisable to utilize the manufacturer's streamlined repair services to ensure timely and effective resolutions.
Maintenance
Regular handpiece maintenance is vital to optimizing performance and prolonging the lifespan of dental air turbines. Developing a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, lubrication, and inspections by qualified technicians is highly recommended. Proper disinfection and sterilization after each use are crucial to preventing cross-contamination. Additionally, automatic purge units, such as the Kavo Quattro Care and Adec Assistina, can aid in ensuring adequate flushing and debris removal.
Repair Costs
The cost of repairing dental air turbines can be significant, especially shortly after the warranty period expires. When purchasing a turbine, it is essential to consider not only the initial cost but also the potential repair expenses. Having a spare turbine and replacement parts readily available can help minimize disruptions and streamline maintenance processes, potentially reducing overall maintenance costs.
Manufacturer Reputation
When selecting a dental air turbine, it is crucial to prioritize reputable manufacturers known for their quality and reliability. Comparing features, performance metrics, and warranty coverage can help make an informed decision. In-house replacement options can also be advantageous, reducing downtime and providing cost-effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
Regular handpiece maintenance is vital for optimal performance and longevity. This includes cleaning and lubrication per the manufacturer's recommendations and inspections by qualified technicians. It is also important to use the appropriate lubricant at the recommended intervals to minimize friction within the turbine mechanism.
There are a few signs that may indicate your dental handpiece turbine needs repair:
- It feels gritty or grinds when inserting the bur.
- The handpiece is too hot when held against your wrist.
- The handpiece is louder than usual.
Bien Air Turbines are composed of four pieces, making them more difficult to service than other brands. To repair, first heat the press button zone to make the process of unscrewing easier. Then, unscrew the external part of the Back Cap/Press Button counterclockwise with a wrench. Clean all internal parts and extract the old rubber washer and O-ring, which must be replaced with new ones.
In-house replacement of dental handpiece turbines can significantly reduce downtime for critical equipment and minimize disruptions to patient schedules. It is also often more cost-effective than external repair services. Keeping a spare turbine and replacement parts readily available can streamline handpiece maintenance processes and potentially reduce overall expenditure.
