How To Troubleshoot High Speed Dental Handpiece?

For a high-speed handpiece to operate it requires an air pressure of between 25 to 30 PSI. High-speed handpieces operate at speeds of 350,000 RPM at 25 PSI or 400,000 RPM at 30 PSI.  This is if the handpiece is functioning normally. 

However, if you feel that your handpiece is not functioning the way it should, there are a couple DIY things that you could check to try and do a little troubleshooting.

Dental Handpiece is Not Spinning?

If your handpiece is not spinning or not spinning fast enough it is likely not getting enough air supply.  You can check that the air pressure adjustment setting on the dental delivery unit head is adjusted properly. 

You can also check the pressure by removing the handpiece and covering the connector with your thumb and pressing the foot pedal, while doing this, check to see that the gauge goes up by the appropriate amount of pressure. If the pressure is not adequate you may need a technician to troubleshoot this further. 

Your Dental Handpiece is not Spraying any Water?

No water is coming out the handpiece. First you should look for a water on/off toggle switch, and make sure that it is on.  If your unit uses a water bottle for it’s water supply, make sure the bottle is full, switched on, and attached tightly. 

If these obvious fixes do not rectify the problem, you can try to figure out if the problem is in the dental unit, or it is a clogged handpiece.  You can do this by removing the handpiece from the hose connector, you will then need to cover the small air hole with your finger and step on the pedal.  If water discharges from the hand piece connector, then either your hand piece water line is clogged or your connector gasket is worn out. 

Water not Stopping after Using the Handpiece?

If you are experiencing water continuing to spray out the handpiece after your foot is off the pedal or even when it is placed back in its holder, this problem is likely not your handpiece.  You either have a worn-out air/water valve inside the unit or your handpiece holder has wore out or is not adjusted properly.  Have a maintenance tech look at it to try and identify the problem.

The Handpiece does not stop Spinning after Use:

This is likely a problem with the handpiece holder.  The air switch on the handpiece holder is not adjusted properly or is worn out or if your unit is older, you might have a handpiece selector switch that is not switched or broken.

Water Leaking Out the Handpiece Connector:

If water is leaking out where the hand piece connects to the handpiece hose it is likely the handpiece gasket is worn out. Replace the handpiece gasket and try it again.

Air in Handpiece Water Spray:

This problem can be annoying and cause the water spray to come out sporadically.  This is likely a problem with a cross over gasket leak somewhere inside the unit’s water supply.  You will probably need a technician to help identify where this internal leak is happening.

Know About: Process of Dental Air Compressor Maintenance

Your Dental Handpiece is Losing Power:

If you have adequate air pressure feeding the handpiece and no air leaks, the problem is likely your hand piece.  This problem could be the result of a handpiece bur not properly locking in or slipping.  It could also be a bad handpiece turbine bearing.  In which case you send if your handpiece for repair.  

Water Leaking out Unit when Handpiece is Being Used:

This problem occurs when the supply water leaks into the return air.  Usually this is a result of a bad handpiece gasket.

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