Facts and Figures: The High-Speed Handpiece

• The typical noise level of a high-speed air-driven handpiece is 70–80 decibels; the typical noise level of an electric handpiece is 55–60 dB. Every 10 decibel level of noise reduction is perceived by humans as a 50% reduction in noise.^1,2
• In 1957, S.S. White Co. introduced the Borden Airotor, the first successful air-driven handpiece. This instrument is regarded as the precursor to the present generation of high-speed handpieces.³
• In 1992, the ADA/FDA issued guidelines mandating routine handpiece autoclave sterilization after every instance of use on a patient. This dramatically changed the durability of handpieces and, therefore, the costs of maintenance.³
• The typical expected longevity of an air-driven high-speed handpiece is 500 cycles of sterilization.³
• In a typical office workflow, a handpiece will undergo about two cycles of sterilization each day; thus 500 cycles of sterilization take about a year.³
• 76% of dentists use air turbine handpieces; 16% use electric and 8% use both.⁴
• The typical speed of the bur on the air-driven handpiece is 300,000–400,000 rpm; on an electric handpiece, it’s 200,000 rpm.
• The typical cutting power of an air-driven handpiece is 10-18 watts; on an electric handpiece, it’s 50–60 watts.
• The typical recommended air pressure for air-driven handpieces is 35 psi. More pressure does not mean better cutting or better torque; it just spoils the turbines.
• The turbine, the heart and soul of the air-driven handpiece, is the component that most often fails.

Best practices: Handpiece maintenance

These steps will ensure the best and most consistent performance from your handpiece.

1. Wipe the surface of the handpiece, then use an automatic lubrication station to lubricate and flush it.
2. Autoclave the handpiece by placing it in a paper/plastic combination bag, paper side up.
3. Allow the sterilizer to completely process through the dry cycle.

References

1. Hyson JM Jr. The air turbine and hearing loss: Are dentists at risk? J Am Dent Assoc. 2002 Dec; 133(12):1639–42.
2. Kadanakuppe S, Bhat PK, Jyothi C, Ramegowda C. Assessment of noise levels of the equipments used in the dental teaching institution, Bangalore. Indian J Dent Res 2011; 22:424–431.
3. Leonard D, Charlton D. Performance of high-speed dental handpieces subjected to simulated clinical use and sterilization. J Am Dent Assoc. 1999 Sep; 130(9):1301–11.
4. High-speed air turbines: Time to upgrade? Clinicians Report 2013 May 6(5).