How to Maintain Dental Handpieces for Long-Lasting Performance

So how long should a dental handpiece actually last?

You would think something that costs over a grand would last years, right?

If you are not maintaining it properly, your dental handpiece could start acting up faster than you’d expect.

One bad sterilisation cycle… a missed lubrication… or that “I'll do it later” mindset can turn a $1,200 tool into a paperweight.

Let’s fix that.

Why Dental Handpiece Maintenance Matters

Think of your handpiece like a sports car engine — precise, powerful, and totally unforgiving if you skip the oil change.
Skipping basic care doesn't just wear it out — it can:

• Burn out turbines
• Cause overheating
• Fail in the middle of a procedure (not ideal)

Proper dental handpiece maintenance isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s how you protect your reputation, your equipment, and your bottom line.

Your Daily Dental Handpiece Care Routine

Here’s a basic care routine that takes less than 5 minutes per handpiece and could save you hundreds in repairs:

1. Flush it: Before disconnecting, run clean air or water to flush debris.
2. Clean externally: Use a soft brush or cloth — avoid wire brushes or harsh chemicals.
3. Lubricate: More on this below, but yes, do it daily.
4. Sterilise properly: Every use. No exceptions.
5. Dry before storing: Never store damp instruments in a closed drawer.

 Tip: Always wear gloves. Oils from your skin can affect sterilisation.

How Often Should You Lubricate a Handpiece?

Short answer? Before and after every sterilisation cycle.
Longer answer: Check the manufacturer's guide, but most recommend:

• Pre-sterilisation lubrication
• Post-sterilisation lubrication, especially for high-speed turbines

If you’re only lubricating once a week? That’s like only brushing your teeth on Fridays.

Spray into the drive airline until it exits the head — clean and smooth. Rotate it manually to help distribute.

Turbine Maintenance Tips (Don’t Skip These)

The turbine is the beating heart of your handpiece — and it’s fragile.
Here’s what can kill it prematurely:

• Skipping lubrication
• Not drying before sterilising
• Overheating in autoclaves
• Storing in humid environments

 A “sticky” or sluggish rotation? That’s turbine trouble.

Have your turbines professionally inspected and replaced on a 6–12 month cycle if you’re in a high-use clinic.

Sterilisation: Doing It Right, Every Time

Here’s the correct dental handpiece sterilisation routine:

1. Clean and dry first
2. Lubricate
3. Bag it (use pouches with proper ventilation)
4. Autoclave on the setting specified by your handpiece brand
5. Cool before storage — never store hot instruments

Don’t soak in cold sterilants unless explicitly approved. You’ll wreck the internal components.

Always inspect pouches before use. If they're wet, torn, or yellowed — chuck them. They’re no longer sterile.

Signs Your Handpiece Needs Servicing

Don’t wait until it fully fails. Look for:

• Burning smell
• Increased vibration or noise
• Slower RPMs
• Chuck won’t release bur
• Visible debris after sterilisation

These are all red flags that your handpiece needs TLC.

Final Thoughts + Where to Buy Quality Handpieces

Dental handpieces are not disposable.

They’re investments — and like any tool, they’ll take care of you if you take care of them.