Hand Pieces and Hand Instruments

Question 1

High torque handpieces offer better what compared to an air turbine?

Answer 1

• More tactile feedback when cutting hard tissues.

- Speed increasing handpiece is capable of steadier cutting.

Question 2

Main reasons for high-speed handpiece failure

Answer 2

• Mechanical ball forces wears out the ball bearing cage.

Question 3

Ceramic balls are better than steel balls. Why?

Answer 3

• Ceramic ball bearing last longer than steel balls.
• Lighter-weight, so less forces on the bearing cage.
• Improved efficiency at dispersing heat.

Question 4

Why lubricate handpieces/ball bearings?

Answer 4

• Reduce friction.
• Lubricates bearing cage.
• Stabalise heat generation.
• Keeps ball raceway free from debris.
• Protection during temperature fluctuations when autoclaved.

Question 5

Maintenance rules

Answer 5

• Train the team in correct use and maintenance.
• Follow manufacturers instruction regarding use, cleaning, and sterilisation process.
• Send handpieces to a trained technician if any problems.

Question 6

What is power?

Answer 6

• The result of speed and torque.
• Measures in Watts.
• The higher the power of the turbine, the greater the rate at which material is removed.

Question 7

What is torque?

Answer 7

• Aka propulsion power.
• Measured in g/cm.
• The higher the torque, the higher the loading capacity of the bur, so more pressure can be applied without the instrument stalling.

Question 8

Different geared handpieces

Answer 8

• Green band - 1:1. Handpiece runs at the same speed as the motor.
• Blue band - 10:1. Bur roatates 10x slower than the motor.
• Orange or red band - 1:5. Speed increasing handpiece.

Question 9

Signs of ball bearing failure

Answer 9

• Unusual or increased running noises.

- Instrument vibration.