Lubrication Myths That Shorten Your Handpiece’s Life (And How to Fix Them)
Proper lubrication is one of the most critical—and most misunderstood—steps in extending the life of your dental handpieces. At Superior Handpiece Service, we’ve seen hundreds of costly repairs that could have been avoided with better lubrication habits.
Myth #1: “One Spray Fits All”
The Reality: Different handpieces require different oils. Electric motors generate more torque and need specialized lubricants.
What to Do Instead: Always use manufacturer-recommended oil to avoid bearing damage.
Source:
Care, Maintenance and Sterilisation Guide
Myth #2: “I Oil After Autoclaving”
The Reality: Lubricating after sterilization can trap contaminants—oil should be applied before autoclaving and purged afterward.
What to Do Instead: Clean and lubricate prior to sterilization, then run it for 20–30 seconds.
✅ If Done Correctly:
- The oil coats internal components like bearings, turbines, and chucks, reducing friction and wear.
- During sterilization, residue is burned off, but the internal surfaces still benefit from prior lubrication.
- Any excess oil and contaminants are purged when the handpiece is run afterward (for ~30 seconds).
- This approach extends handpiece lifespan and helps prevent seizing or overheating.
❌ If Done Incorrectly (Common Mistakes):
- Wrong oil type (e.g., non-thermal stable or non-sterilizable lubricants) can break down and create sticky residues inside the head.
- Over-oiling can cause the oil to boil off and gunk up the autoclave chamber or create carbon buildup.
- If you skip running the handpiece afterward, the oil pools inside, attracting debris post-sterilization.
Source:
CDC Dental Handpiece FAQ
Myth #3: “Only Oil When It’s Noisy”
The Reality: Noise and drag are signs of wear. Preventative lubrication protects turbines before issues arise.
What to Do Instead: Lubricate routinely: high-speed → before every cycle; low-speed → daily; attachments → per manufacturer.
Source:
Reprocessing Instruments
Myth #4: “Auto Units Do All the Work”
The Reality: Maintenance units help—but need correct oil, clean nozzles, and regular checks to work properly.
What to Do Instead: Verify oil type, clean system weekly, and monitor logs monthly.
Source:
Reprocessing Instruments
Myth #5: “A Quick Spray Is Enough”
The Reality: Shallow sprays don’t reach internal bearings—proper technique and run time matter to avoid failure.
What to Do Instead: Spray downward, then run for 20–30 seconds to purge and coat.
Source:
Tips for Prolonging Handpiece Life
🔍 Bonus Tip: The “White Towel Test”
Spray onto a white towel. Dark streaks mean debris is being removed; consistently clear oil may not be reaching internal parts.
Final Thoughts
Lubrication is simple, quick, and cost-effective—yet essential for handpiece longevity, performance, and patient safety.
Even with the best maintenance routines, handpieces can wear down or hit unexpected issues. When that happens, we’ve got your back — fast repairs, fair pricing, no stress.