What are the taboo operations for dental handpieces?

Before Using the Handpiece

1. Before installing the handpiece, activate the foot pedal to expel any residual air and water from the tube, and observe whether the egress of air and water is normal.

2. Mount the handpiece and the bur.

   a. Lock pin type (screw type): Place the handpiece on the treatment table, attach the bur, and gently tighten it with the handpiece key until it is secure. Do not apply excessive force; just ensure it is properly in place.

   b. Button type (pressure cap type): Press firmly on the button at the top of the handpiece to load or unload the bur. Release the button to clamp the bur. After attaching the bur, manually check if it is properly installed.

   
   

Note: It is strictly forbidden to press the foot pedal before the bur is mounted, as this can easily damage the clamping mechanism.

During Handpiece Use

1. When using the handpiece, be careful, meticulous, and gentle. Rough handling is strictly prohibited, and avoid dropping the handpiece to the ground.

2. Regardless of the angle, always operate by pulling up and down, ensuring a light touch and intermittent action. Never apply lateral force.

3. Hold the handpiece using an improved pen-holding method, find a stable fulcrum, and operate intermittently.

4. Depending on the different tooth positions and cavity shapes, promptly change the handpiece and bur to minimize wear on the handpiece bearings.

5. Use sharp burs; dull burs not only waste time and effort but also damage the handpiece and increase the patient's pain.

6. During the use of the handpiece, frequently check if the bur is loose to prevent it from flying out.

7. Choose different handpieces according to different clinical situations (e.g., use a mini handpiece that does not obstruct the line of sight for pulp chamber opening of posterior teeth; use a high-torque handpiece with strong power for tooth preparation).

8. If the workload is too large at one time, use two handpieces alternately to avoid overloading and damaging the handpiece, and to save time on changing handpieces.

9. Do not use the handpiece if there is severe radial swing or longitudinal movement of the handpiece core. Do not use the handpiece in a state of no water or water shortage.

10. Air pressure and water pressure will change with the frequency of use of the treatment table. Therefore, frequently check the air and water pressure during clinical operations to ensure the normal use of the handpiece.

    
    

After Using the Handpiece

Cleaning

After using the handpiece, clean it as soon as possible to prevent dirt from solidifying and becoming difficult to clean. Before removing the bur, use a water mist to clean the debris on the working head, then wipe with 75% alcohol. Alternatively, use a dedicated fully automatic cleaning machine for cleaning. Choose the method based on the specific conditions of each clinic.

Removing the Bur

After use, to remove the bur, just loosen the key (turn it 1/4 turn). Do not loosen it too much, as the three-leaf spring may be damaged by pressing against the back cover. Always remove the bur promptly after each use to facilitate the recovery of the handpiece's clamping mechanism.

Maintenance (Oiling)

An air pressure oil can is the most ideal lubrication tool, which can not only lubricate the handpiece but also clean the bearings and fan wheel.

1. Before using the oil can, first remove the bur (for a screw-type handpiece, turn it counterclockwise by 1/4 turn), wrap the head with paper, and insert the oil can nozzle into the handpiece's air intake hole to ensure sufficient air pressure.

2. The air pressure oil can must be used vertically, spraying for 2-3 seconds each time.

3. For a 2-hole handpiece, aim the nozzle at the larger hole; for a 4-hole handpiece, aim the nozzle at the second-largest hole.

4. If using the drop method, drop 4 drops of oil into the larger hole, then intermittently blow air into the oil hole with an air gun for 30 seconds.

5. Do not use industrial lubricating oil for lubrication to prevent patient poisoning.

6. For handpieces that are not used for a long time, they should be fully oiled, sealed, and stored.