Handpiece Repair 423-570-0085

Received the following question regarding W&H handpieces:

Hello I am looking for information on maintenance, lubrication and sterilization of W & H Contra Angles, Midwest contra angles, High Speed, and Slow Speed handpieces. Thank you!

Answer:
My first recommendation would be to get a purge unit, if you can talk the Dr. into it. These things can save you a ton of trouble and handpiece repairs. They are expensive up front, but will pay for themselves in the long run. I believe W&H makes the Assistina which is compatible with their brand, as well as others. You can get adaptors to fit the Midwest handpieces also.

W&H Contra Angles Lubrication

For manual lubrication, give a couple of drops into the air intake hole of the Midwest low speed motors and the RDH. For W&H contra angles, as well as Midwest attachments, remove them from the motor and put a couple of drops into the back end. Then, put the contra angle back on and run handpiece for about 30 seconds. Air exiting the low speed motor helps force lube up through the contra angle. Lubricate the W&H contra angles and handpieces in the same way. Lubricate via the air intake hole on motors and highspeeds, backend in contra angles. If you have swivel handpieces, W&H has an adaptor and lubricant available to fit the backend. If you don’t have that, just remove the swivel coupler from your unit, put a couple of drops of lube in the air intake hole (it’s the smaller of the two larger holes). Put coupler back on unit, attach handpiece, and run for about 30 seconds to ensure excess lube and debris are expelled, then autoclave as usual.

W&H Contra Angles Sterilization

As far as sterilization goes, we think the CLEAR method at HandpieceStore.com is relatively comprehensive.

I hope this helps. However, my best advice was at the beginning. Automatic handpiece purge units pay for themselves over time. We have seen this time and again by the reduction in our repair rates for offices who purchase one. There are several brands to choose from. Kavo Quattrocare is probably best. Several other good ones to choose from. Check the link to them from HandpieceStore.com. Also check DentalHandpieces.com for more W&H contra angles and Midwest handpiece maintenance information.

Got this question via email the other day:

Most non brand name latch heads require lubrication. Remove the latch head by turning the collar counter clock-wise. Once removed, you should be able to pull out the shaft. With shaft removed put a couple of drops in bottom, and replace shaft. Some angle adapters have a hole in the top. If yours does, put a couple of drops there, and re-connect latch head to angle adapter. We sometimes put a couple of drops in the back end of the Star Motor to Angle Adapter prior to re-attaching adapter to motor. Boy, that was a mouth full, wasn’t it?

Kavo Handpiece Repair for Less

Kavo is, hands down, the best handpiece available. You were certainly hoping so when you put down the large sum for purchasing your Kavo handpieces. Unfortunately, owning the best sometimes requires spending a little more to maintain and ultimately repair Kavo handpieces. It’s certainly good to know that there are parts and equipment available for Kavo from other than the manufacturer.

Independent facilities perform Kavo handpiece repair

Quality parts are required for the close tolerances and precise engineering Kavo is appreciated for. Kavo is the most respected name in the dental industry. With that, an industry geared toward providing precision parts for Kavo handpiece repair is born.

Questions for the Kavo Handpiece Repair Pro

What is the ABEC rating for the bearings you use in Kavo handpiece repair? If he/she can’t answer that question without hesitation, move on. Our facility uses Myonic bearings on all Kavo handpiece repair. Myonic is a german made bearing which meets or exceeds an ABEC rating of 7 in all cases. 9 is the highest rating afforded to bearings. Many Myonic bearings carry the full 9 ABEC rating which makes them the first choice for Kavo handpiece repair.

Kavo handpiece repair requires proprietary tools

Many Kavo handpieces require a specific set of tooling. Take the Kavo 25 LPR series for example. This handpiece requires two tools, without which, repair will be impossible without damaging handpiece exterior. If your Kavo handpiece repair includes a 1:5 speed increasing contra angle, odds are the repair facility will require these tools. Kavo is a great handpiece requiring considerable expertise by those willing to tackle Kavo handpiece repair.

For more on ABEC, see the following link:
ABEC Rating for Dental Bearings