Importance of regular servicing

Regular servicing and maintenance of your dental handpieces are vital to ensuring their effectiveness and longevity. Not keeping on top of your servicing can cause damage to your patients and to your reputation. But how do you know when is the right time to book in a service?

Here are some of the signs to look out for!

 

Abnormal Vibrations

Are you noticing that your handpiece is vibrating more than usual? Is your wrist getting sore? This is because you are trying to compensate for the abnormal vibration of your handpiece. If this is the case, it is likely to be causing your patient’s discomfort too. Abnormal rhythm is an indication that the bearings on your handpiece are failing and needs inspecting by a specialist technician!

 

Reduced Speed

Most high-speed turbines will rotate at 250,000 to 400,000 revolutions per minute. This means that your bearings need to be in excellent condition. If the speed of the bur significantly reduces, it will not cut with optimum efficiency. If you notice your handpiece seems to have slowed down, or not be as efficient, it’s time to get it checked.

 

Interrupted Water Flow

Water is essential to assist with cutting and keeping the bur cool. Patient safety is compromised if the water flow is interrupted or stops altogether, and the handpiece can become damaged. It is wise to check water is flowing through the hose to the point of the handpiece connection, so if this isn’t happening, it is time to get your handpiece checked.

 

Increased Heat

Most handpieces will become warm with use, particularly if they are motor driven. However, if you notice the heat increasing, this is a sign that there may be a failure in some of the internal parts of your handpiece. This will normally be accompanied by an increase in noise and vibration.

 

Disturbed Rhythm

When running at full speed, your hand piece should produce a consistent sound. If there are any fluctuations or disturbances in the sound, it is a sign that there may be excessive wear, or even breakage within the handpiece. Whilst the handpiece will continue working, urgent attention to this is required!

 

If your handpieces are showing any of the above signs, then it is definitely time to get them serviced. To find out more about our servicing and service plans for your dental equipment, check out our website Handpiece Service Plan | Dental Handpiece Repairs UK | Trigiene Repair