Click on the image links to download our DDS Handpiece Maintenance info sheets.
Print them out and stick them on the wall of your treatment room for all staff to follow or refresh their memories of the correct way to lubricate in between autoclaves.
Full instructions On-the-Go
Regular handpiece maintenance is essential for your handpieces to run smoothly for maximum output and extended lifespan of parts.
If your handpieces have black gunk inside it's definitely time for a service, but it also may be a sign that the filters in your compressor need replacing.
Proper lubrication as part of your routine with every use will save you $$$'s in the long run.
Make sure you have the correct lubrication spray nozzle for the brand of handpiece you are using.
We recommend a general service of your handpieces every 12 months - just like you do with your patients!
Please call 1300 337 300 if you would like to purchase the correct size spray nozzle for your particular brand or to get your handpieces serviced/repaired.
Please take the time to view the correct procedures for handpiece lubrication with the correct nozzles as shown in this video link.
This Video shows the correct procedures for handpiece maintenance following our 10 step leaflet.
Many people have Scaler issues - mainly that the tip thread has gone.
Always ensure that you are using the correct tip for the correct brand.
The thread pitch is finer on the EMS (4 flat planes) and coarser on the Satelec Scalers (2 flat planes) see photos.
If you purchase the wrong tips by mistake, they will only go on about half way. If you use the tip wrench you can force it on, but stripping the threads in the process. If the threads are stripped then the scaler is ready for the bin!
Call us on 1300 337 300 for new MK-dent scaler sales.
Scaler Troubleshooting:
With scalers and any other instruments with a thread on it, always do a half turn in the opposite direction to ensure you line up the thread, you may feel a slight click and that usually means it has fallen into its correct groove and should then be easy to screw on. If it’s ever hard to screw on then it’s definitely not sat on square and you are doing more harm by forcing it to realign itself.
Both tip and scaler need to line up to make sure that the tip screws on properly.
If either of the threads are damaged then you can risk damaging the other in the process of trying to force it on, wearing away the thread that keeps the tip held onto the scaler.
(In a similar way that if you try and screw a water bottle to on that’s not lined up properly it will go on at an angle and can eventually break the plastic thread of the bottle, and the lid won’t fit on and water will spill out etc.)
The photo to the right shows the thread that has worn away, you can see a distinct line between the top area where the tip screws on and has worn away.
Always ensure that you are using the correct tip for the correct brand too!!
The thread pitch is finer on the EMS (4 flat planes) and coarser on the Satelec Scalers (2 flat planes) see photos.
If you purchase the wrong tips by mistake, they will only go on about half way. If you use the tip wrench you can force it on, but stripping the threads in the process.
If the threads are stripped then the scaler is ready for the bin (as in this case!).
If a tip has got stuck or caused damage to the scaler, then the tip should be discarded too.
Scaler Tip Sharpening
We often get asked about scaler tip sharpening - It's not something we offer but click on the image link for some information on how to achieve good results and what tooling is required.
DDS doesn't only carry out High and Low Speed Handpiece repairs, we also tend to Motors.
Regular cleaning and servicing is imperative for keeping your equipment running smooth and for longer - just like servicing your car!
Autoclaving your handpieces and motors doesn't necessarily mean they are clean inside.
Check out the photo showing all the build up of dirt, grease and debris inside a motor...yuk!
Tip: To prevent your motor getting excess oil (which is noticeable through a burning smell) make sure you remove the contra angle handpiece from the motor before placing it back into the chair dock.
If you don't, the oil from the handpiece will run down and penetrate the motor and cause it to require a major overhaul.
Call us on 1300 337 300 if you need any advice or to book in your handpieces, motors or couplers for servicing or repairs!
Never use the following types of burrs and points (they could come out and injury the patient or be swallowed):
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Those which do not conform to ISO standards.
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Those with scratched or damaged heads or shanks.
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Those which are bent, twisted, rusty, chipped or broken.
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Do not use modified burrs, miniature burrs, or short-shanked burrs.
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Sub-standard or damaged burrs and points are very dangerous to use; they can come out and injure the patient or be swallowed.
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Always use burrs and points with clean shanks; dirty shanks cause the chuck to wear out more quickly and lose its gripping power.
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Always carefully remove all cleaning fluids before inserting a burr into the chuck; some cleaning fluids are corrosive, and if a burr or point with cleaning fluid on it is inserted, the chuck could be ruined.
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If a dirty burr or one with cleaning fluid on it has been inserted by mistake, contact DDS to have the instrument inspected.
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Carefully read the instruction manual of the burr maker.
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Use only burrs made of a single piece of metal; do not use burrs whose head is welded to the shank.
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Welded joints break easily.
Tip of the day:
For efficient handpiece organisation and identification between surgery rooms, avoid manually etching or engraving them.
Definitely DO NOT use a handpiece and bur to do so as this may damage the turbine. It can also create an infection control issue with the broken surface and cavities within the metal.
Try to avoid the coloured tapes as they too can cause corrosion of the metal surface and infection control issues.
The best way to keep equipment in order is to use the coloured rubber rings that slip on the base of each handpiece/utensil, they are fully autoclavable but can be easily removed and changed (ask your local consumables sales rep for more info).