what is dental handpieces

Dental Handpieces: The Tools of the Trade

Dental handpieces are crucial components of any dental practitioners set of tools. These specialized hand-held instruments are used to power cutting or grinding burrs to prepare teeth for filling, root canal work, and other dental procedures.

The importance of this device cannot be overemphasized, as it enables dentists to accomplish their tasks accurately and efficiently. In this article, well explore dental handpieces in more depth and highlight everything you need to know.

What Are Dental Handpieces?

Dental handpieces are typically small, high-speed electric drills designed to work on teeth. These devices enable dentists to access all areas of the tooth space, including the mouth, without damaging neighboring tissue.

Most handpieces run on air-driven turbines, but modern models use electric motors that offer greater control and precision.

The Types of Dental Handpieces Available

There are two primary types of dental handpieces: high-speed and low-speed.

High-Speed Handpieces

High-speed handpieces use small steel burrs to remove tooth structures. They can run up to 400,000 RPM and produce a high-pitch whine. The use of water spray helps cool the burr and prevent overheating, which may cause tooth enamel to break down. High-speed handpieces are primarily used for drilling cavities and preparing teeth for crowns.

Low-Speed Handpieces

Low-speed handpieces run at a maximum of 40,000 RPM and produce less heat. They're ideal for certain procedures, such as root planning, polishing, polishing, and removing decay, especially in hard-to-reach spots. They typically come with different burs or attachments, including straight and angled handpieces.

Advantages of Dental Handpieces

The advantages of dental handpieces are endless. First and foremost, they provide accuracy and speed, which makes them ideal for complex dental procedures. Unlike traditional drills, handpieces allow dentists to make precise cuts without harming neighboring teeth or gum tissue while offering maximum comfort to the patient during procedures.

Another benefit that comes with the use of dental handpieces is that they reduce the operators fatigue. This is because these instruments are lightweight, and they come with ergonomic grips to reduce muscle strain and fatigue.

Regular Maintenance of Dental Handpieces

To ensure optimum performance, dental handpieces require regular maintenance, including sterilization, oiling, and proper storage techniques. Professional sterilization will keep your handpiece in pristine condition by removing infections and preventing cross-contamination.

Oiling your handpiece is also essential to maintain its performance. Its recommended that oil be added to the back of the handpiece between patients or after each use. Besides, storage should be in a clean and dry location to prevent the accumulation of debris and moisture.

Final Thoughts

Dental handpieces are essential tools for any dental practice. They make dental procedures more efficient, more comfortable for patients, and offer greater accuracy. Above all, they're an indispensable tool for taking care of your teeth.

If youre a dental practitioner, it's essential to choose the right dental handpieces for your practice and maintain them in proper operating conditions. With these best practices, you can ensure that your handpieces operate at maximum efficiency for the longest possible time while offering the best performance to your patients.