When we return Repaired Dental Handpieces to our Clients, we are often asked: How Do We Get Them So Clean?
Here is how we do it:
First, remove the Turbine, Springs, Clips, O-rings and associated Hardware.
Rinse the exterior of the Dental Handpiece Manufacturer and leave it wet. Scrub the outer shell with a soft toothbrush and “Bar Keeper’s Friend” and then rinse. If the unit is very dirty, make a paste by adding a little water to the powder in a mixing tray, apply it to the shell, let it stand for a few minutes, scrub again with the toothbrush, and rinse it off. If the shell is still not clean, repeat the process.
To clean the inside, make a fresh solution in the Ultrasonic Cleaner of a 50/50 solution of “Simple Green” and Hot Water. Place the unit in the solution and run the Ultrasonic for about 30 minutes. Be sure to remove it as soon as the Ultrasonic Stops, or debris will be re-deposited. Thoroughly rinse it with running water. Rinsing is a crucial step in the successful use of the Ultrasonic, so use plenty of water. Run water through the head and all openings.
Dry the shell. Follow up with “Wrights Silver Polish,” using a damp, soft white cotton cloth. If the cloth turns black while rubbing, the Handpiece is still not clean. Put it back into the Ultrasonic for another 10 or 15 minutes and then restart the polish process.
Rinse thoroughly again to remove the polish residue and dry the outer shell. Dry the interior by using the air from your syringe to blow air through all openings – until water is no longer coming out.
After reassembly, it will look it’s best and, because all the lines are clean, it will run better. Day-to-day maintenance of the Shell can be accomplished with a Soft Toothbrush and Running Water (keep water away from the head). The Autoclave is meant to Sterilize, and Sterilization cannot be accomplished any other way. Therefore, do not use Disinfectants of any kind on your Handpiece. Disinfectants will Discolor & Pit the Shell and can Destroy your Turbine. You can use 2×2 Alcohol Prep Pads occasionally to remove Debris; but always keep the pads away from the bur opening. Alcohol can leach into the bearings and destroy them quickly.
Bar Keepers Friend, Wrights Silver Polish and Simple Green can be purchased at Wal-Mart and Better Grocery Stores. They are FDA approved, environmentally friendly, and safe to use (as directed).
