We get asked a lot about the best way to care for handpieces.

Our first answer is always to purchase an automatic handpiece purge unit.

These units lubricate and purge debris from handpiece interior.

If you have one, great. If not, keep watching.

Clean handpiece with alcohol and a good stiff brush.

Ensure to remove any debris which could be baked on by the sterilization process.

Place lubricant into air intake hole.

Hole farthest to the right. Many new handpieces use quick connects, which block access to air intake hole.

Aerosol sprays come with adapters specific to popular handpiece brands to ensure lubricant reaches the air intake and turbine.

Once lubricant is applied, it is important to purge handpiece by running long enough to remove excess lubricant and debris. It is important to ensure no debris is left inside handpiece prior to sterilization.

Autoclave or Sterilize handpiece.

Remove handpiece from sterilizer immediately following completion of cycle.

Handpiece maintenance/purge units are effective and efficient. Doctors can expect reduction in repair cost simply by ensuring lubrication and purge are performed properly.

Popular purge units include the Kavo Quattro Care, ADEC Assistina, and NSK Care 3. Units are expensive, but so is handpiece repair.