Flushing time for dental handpieces: how long should handpieces be flushed between patients?

Flushing and sterilizing the handpiece is a crucial step to keep the patients and the medical team safe and to prevent cross-contamination.

Flushing a handpiece is different from sterilization in many aspects, such as which one should be first , tools and results, but they complement each other.

In this article, we talk about how long to flush dental handpieces, why you must flush dental handpieces, and best practices for flushing handpieces effectively.

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What is the difference between flushing and sterilizing?

The flushing process aims to remove contaminants on the inner part of the handpiece to prepare the handpiece for the sterilization process.

If we skip the flushing stage, the debris will get stuck inside the air channel of the handpiece, and the sterilization will fail because the steam will not reach the internal parts due to the debris.

The flushing process happens immediately after the tool is used, whereas the sterilization happens after flushing, lubricating and packaging the handpiece.

You need 5 to 30 seconds to flush a handpiece by let the air run through the handpiece, while the sterilization needs 15 to 30 minutes in the autoclave (the common used method)

Read more about: How to Properly Sterilize a High-Speed Dental Handpiece?

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Flushing Time for Dental Handpieces: How Long Is Enough?

30 seconds are the ideal flushing time for a handpiece and it is approved by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, where it says to: “Discharge water and air for a minimum of 20–30 seconds after each patient, from any device connected to the dental water system that enters the patient’s mouth…” 

That means that you should run the handpiece minimum of 20-30 seconds after you use the handpiece immediately, and that helps in getting rid of any blood residues or contamination.

Read more about: Best Dental Handpieces in Dubai

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Why You Must Flush Dental Handpieces Between Patients

Flushing dental handpieces between patients is important to prepare the tool for the sterilization process, get rid of stuck germs on the internal parts of the handpiece, and comply with the law and protocols

1- prepare the tool for the sterilization process

Before the sterilization process, the handpiece should be flushed, lubricated and packaged properly to ensure a successful sterilization process.

Flushing the handpiece is important because it opens the air channels and prevents growing microorganisms and bacteria because the steam can reach all the handpiece parts easily.

2- get rid of stuck germs inside the handpiece

The flushing process cleans the internal parts of the handpiece, which prevents the growth of fungi and the accumulation of bacteria and dirt.

If the technician neglects the flushing process, the sterilization will not be done properly.

3- comply with the law and protocols

Dubai health authorities determined what the standards and the codes are for the medical centers and clinics to deliver the best medical services and to ensure the safety of the patients and the medical team.

Not complying with those standards will expose the clinic or the charged person to penalties and fines, and in some cases it can lead to license suspension. 

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Best Practices for Flushing Handpieces Effectively

Using the smartest and best way to do things saves time and ensures the process is going successfully.

Best practices for flushing handpieces effectively include using the highest operating pressure, wiping the handpiece before packaging, documenting the process, avoiding cross contamination and inspecting air lines regularly.

1- use the highest operating pressure

To flush the handpiece effectively, use the highest range of pressure, which is 3 bar (the bar is a unit of pressure), and that means the air will flow at a high speed to get rid of stuck blood residues and other contaminations.

The Cattani AC 100 is a high-performance, oil-free dental compressor designed to provide a reliable and hygienic air supply for a single dental unit. Its compact and durable construction ensures efficiency, making it an excellent choice for dental practices.

2- Wipe and dry the handpiece before packaging

After flushing the handpiece, it should be completely dry because the steam on a dry surface is more effective, and the moisture can build microorganisms and expose the tools to corrosion due to the minerals that exist in the tap water.

Use the DAC Universal Sirona Handpieces Washing Lubricating & Sterilization Machine 2 in 1 with many features and a fully automatic reprocessing.

3- Document the process

Documenting the process in Dubai clinics the right way includes writing the first initials of the technician’s name or the person responsible for the sterilization process, the date of the sterilization, and the cycle parameters (for example, the autoclave settings such as the temperature and time ).

4- avoid cross contamination

When you operate the handpiece for 30 seconds, make sure to point the handpiece at the water basin and not at your clothes, the floor, or nearby surfaces to avoid any contact with microbes.

5- Inspect the handpiece air channels

It is important to check the air or water channels of the handpiece once in a while and apply regular maintenance to ensure they work effectively and are not blocked by debris or any other materials.

FAQs

1. How to flush dental handpieces correctly?

To flush a dental handpiece correctly, attach it to the air or water supply and run it for at least 20–30 seconds to clear out contaminants.

2. Should handpieces be flushed after every use?

Yes, handpieces should be flushed after every patient uses to prevent contamination.

3. Can you flush handpieces without turning them off?

No, the handpiece must be activated during flushing to ensure that all internal pathways are cleared.

4. What is the difference between sterilization and flushing for dental handpieces?

Flushing removes debris and microbial contamination using water and air, while dental handpiece sterilization eliminates all bacteria, viruses, and spores using heat (autoclaving) or chemical methods.

5. What is flushing dental handpieces?

Flushing is the process of running water or air through a dental handpiece to remove debris, biofilm, and contaminants before sterilization.

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Even if the percentage of transmission of infections is low, the risk is real for patients and the medical team.

Hence, it is crucial to ensure the flushing process is done successfully by following the best practices and using the best tools and devices.

The flushing and sterilization of the dental handpieces are complementary stages, and doing them successfully ensures a safe environment and sterilized dental equipment.