maintenance tips
Highspeed Handpiece Maintenance Procedures
Keep Your Equipment Performing at Its Peak
Staying on top of your highspeed handpiece maintenance doesn’t just extend the life of your tools — it keeps your procedures smooth, your patients comfortable, and your reputation strong. Almost all manufacturers now recommend cleaning and lubricating your handpieces before every autoclave cycle.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Purge Before You Pull​
Before removing the handpiece from the air supply tubing, always flush or purge it. This helps push out debris and old lubricant that can clog internal components.
- Brush It Down
Use a soft brush and warm water to gently clean the outside of the handpiece. This removes surface contaminants before sterilization. Never soak, spray, or immerse the handpiece in cold sterilants or harsh chemicals—these can corrode metal parts and destroy internal components.
- Hands Off the Turbine
The turbine is delicate. Do not remove it for cleaning—internal disassembly can cause irreversible damage unless done by a trained technician.
- Clean the Connections with Care
Quick-disconnect fittings can be wiped down with a cotton applicator and alcohol. Avoid chemical disinfectants—they can dry out or damage the O-rings.
- Polish the Optics
If your handpiece has fiber optics, keep them clear! Gently clean the fiber optic surfaces with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton applicator to maintain bright visibility.
- Lubricate Like a Pro
Only apply cleaner/lubricant into the drive air tube (usually the shorter of the two larger tubes). This is the direct line to the turbine — avoid the exhaust hole, as it doesn’t connect internally.
- Run it to Win it
After lubrication, run the handpiece for at least 20 seconds with a bur in place. This distributes the lubricant evenly and expels the excess.
- Don't Forget the Contra Angles
Once a week, detach and take apart contra angles for a deeper clean and lubrication. A little effort goes a long way in protecting performance and preventing wear.
Want a Handpiece Health Check?
If you’re not sure your current protocol is working—or your team could use a quick training refresher—we can help. At Summit Handpiece Express, we offer free estimates, expert repairs, and personalized advice to help your tools last longer and work better.
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