MAINTENANCE


Powered instruments are precision instruments that require special handling by trained personnel. Strict adherence to maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer can prevent premature failure.

NOTE:  This is only a supplement to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines.

Preoperative

  • Inspect handpiece and attachments for damage, corrosion and fluid.
  • Inspect air hose and cable for leaks and damage.
  • Inspect all safety mechanisms for handpiece.
  • Do not use if instrument runs while safety mode is on.
  • Test run the instrument with the attachment for 30 seconds.  If it has excessive noise and heat is detected, then do not use instrument.

Inter-operative

  • Place instrument on a dry, open tray, avoid crowding with other instruments.
  • Do not use excessive force while cutting or drilling, this will damage gears and motor.
  • Minimize instrument exposure to fluids.  Fluids, such as saline, will accelerate the oxidation process.
  • Make sure safe mode is ON while not in use.
  • Avoid using reprocessed blades and burs.
  • Damaged blade and bur, usually undetectable, causes damage to gears and motor.
  • Monitor temperature at collet, luke warm is OK.

Post-operative

  • The handpiece should be in a horizontal position during transport to prevent fluids from entering.
  • Avoid crowding with other instruments.
  • To avoid contamination, place a moist towel with enzymatic cleaner over the instrument.
  • Wipe down the handpiece and air hose with enzymatic detergent.
  • Remove all attachments and bur, but not the hose or cable. While attached, the hose and cable act as a seal to prevent fluid from entering the handpiece.

Rinsing

  • Rinse the handpiece with warm running water (distilled preferred) while pointing the collet downward to prevent fluid from entering into the instrument.
  • Sterilize twice, as recommended by the manufacturer, to remove fluid.
  • Rinsing should remove all blood, fluids, and tissue build up.
  • NEVER IMMERSE THE HANDPIECE IN ANY TYPE OF FLUID.

 If accidentally immersed in fluid, take the following steps:

  • Immerse in distilled water to remove contamination and shake off excess water.
  • Sterilize as recommended by the manufacturer twice to remove fluid.
  • An immersed instrument most likely will fail. However, the above steps sometimes can restore the instrument to working order.

Disinfecting

  • Use a mild enzymatic cleaner (neutral pH) with warm water and a sponge or towel to remove the remaining contaminants.
  • Do not use any acidic cleaner such as bleach, 409, ammonia, etc.  Acidic cleaners cause corrosion and severe pitting and WILL VOID ALL WARRANTIES.
  • Rinse the handpiece under warm running water (collet facing downward with the hose still attached).
  • Always use proper sterile techniques when handling instruments.

Steralization

  • Prior to autoclaving, check functionality of the handpiece.
  • Check for air leaks from hose and handpiece.
  • Make sure the bur locks in properly. If you can pull the bur out with your hand while it is in the lock position then the handpiece will need to be serviced.
  • Run the handpiece for 30 seconds. If an inconsistent sound frequency and heat are detected, then the handpiece needs service.
  • Lubricate the instrument according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Do not lubricate an instrument that does not require lubrication, otherwise damage to the motor and bearing will occur.
  • Autoclave the instrument according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Make sure the drying cycle has been completed to ensure the complete removal of internal moisture. Any moisture left will lead to corrosion and pitting.
  • Allow the instrument to cool down at room temperature. Forced cooling will trap moisture inside the handpiece.