What are the recommended methods for sterilizing dental handpieces?

Sterilizing dental handpieces is important since it is a direct reason for getting infected by incurable diseases such as HIV.

Hence, dentists should use the best practices and ensure well sterilized tools before using them again.

In this article, we explain recommended methods for sterilizing dental handpieces, common mistakes to avoid, and special considerations for different types of dental handpieces.

Recommended Methods for Sterilizing Dental Handpieces

Researchers found many ways to sterilize dental handpieces, including heat sterilization, autoclaving, 3-in-1 machines, and ultrasonic cleaning.

Each method is crucial for dental handpiece maintenance and hygiene and for preventing cross-contamination in dental practices.

Below you will find four recommended methods for sterilizing dental handpieces effectively.

1- Heat sterilization

It is a method that needs high temperature (from 120 °C and above, equal to 248°F) to get rid of microorganisms by destroying their protein structure and cell components. There are two types of heat sterilization: autoclaving and dry heating.

1- autoclaving

This type of heat sterilization uses heat and pressure to destroy cell components and to denature protein structures that exist inside the microorganisms. 

The type uses an autoclave, which is a device that kills all sperm and microorganisms with a temperature that ranges between 121°C to 135°C (or 250°F and 275°F).

Choosing the right temperature for the autoclaving process depends on the type of instruments and manufacturer’s instructions that come with every dental tool or device.

The heat sterilization is categorized into two types: autoclaving and dry heat sterilization. The autoclaving is also categorized into 3 categories depending on temperature and time needed.

 1- CDC High-Temperature Recommendation

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends autoclaving at 134-137°C (273-278°F) for at least 3 minutes to ensure complete sterilization and it is a standard recommendation for pre-vacuum (or Class B) autoclaves.

FOMOS CLASS B AUTOCLAVE 22L is a one-of-a-kind sterilization device made to fulfill the stringent demands of medical and dental practices. It adheres to the European Class B standard, ensuring comprehensive sterilization of instruments, even those with intricate structures and complicated components.

2- Gravity Displacement Autoclaves

Gravity displacement autoclaves require 15-30 minutes at 121°C (250°F), depending on the load size.

3- Rapid-Cycle Sterilizers (Flash Sterilizers)

It is often used in busy dental practices and can sterilize in as little as 4 minutes with proper drying cycles.

2- Washer-Lubricator-Autoclave Machines

The automatic dental instrument reprocessors, or 3-in-1 handpiece care units, save so much time and effort because they wash, lubricate, and autoclave dental tools in just one click.

It has so many advantages, such as saving time and labor, better lubrication than the manual, and reduced cross-contamination risks.

DAC Universal Sirona Handpieces washing is a 2-in-1 device that lubricates and sterilizes dental handpieces automatically just by pressing one button. It removes saliva and blood residues from external and internal parts of the dental tools then it lubricates and sterilizes the tools in an effective way.

Why choose DAC Universal?

• Fully automatic reprocessing
• Ease of use
• Cost-effective and environmentally friendly reprocessing
• Fully flexibility
• Warranty: available

3- Ultrasonic Cleaning (Pre-Sterilization Step)

This method uses ultrasonic waves to remove blood residues and saliva, and it is useful for devices that have crevices or narrow lumens.

It cleans dental tools before the sterilization without being in physical contact with the tools, and that protects the medical team from accidental injuries.

One of the examples for ultrasonic cleaners is the  Dental Ultrasonic Cleaner Machine which is the perfect solution for a quick and easy cleaning process.

Its main features are:

• Continuously adjustable cleaning time (2 ~ 30 minutes)
• Continuously adjustable cleaning temperature (20°C ~ 80°C)
• Automatically stop heating when there is no water.
• 3-color LED display, 4 keys control panel,
• 6 timer settings and 3 temperature settings make the cleaning be perfect and convenient.

Learn about How to sterilize a high speed handpiece?

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Sterilizing Dental Handpieces

There are five common mistakes to avoid during sterilization, which are not cutting the sterilization process, using a sterilization pouch, lubricating tools, and avoiding using alcohol to clean tools.

It is important to follow the defined protocols when it comes to sterilizing tools like the dental and medical tools. 

1- Don’t cut the sterilization cycle before it ends. Avoid suddenly terminating the sterilization process prematurely; that can damage the instrument and keep the bacteria inside the sterilized tools. Also, it will be considered a failed cycle, and that is against the protocols regulated by the Dubai Health Authority.

2- Don’t place the handpiece in the autoclave without a sterilization pouch because it protects the sterilized dental tools from dust and microbes. Also, dental sterilization pouches have a color-changing strip that changes when the sterilization process is done.

Hence, using a sterilization pouch is important and ensure keeping dental tools clean after the autoclaving process

3- Don’t forget to lubricate dental handpieces before the autoclaving process because it can damage the handpiece. Also, choosing a good lubricant plays a vital part in ensuring a successful lubrication process.

4- Don’t use alcohol as a cleaning agent because it evaporates quickly, and it may damage the tools. Use instead standard sterilized pouches that allow the steam to sterilize dental equipment properly.

5- Don’t overload the autoclave with dental tools because it interrupts the sterilization process.

Follow the instructions and arrange the pouches, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) distance between each pouch, and place them upright to let the hot air flow to all the tool parts..

Also read about: How should handpieces be cleaned?

Special Considerations for Different Types of Dental Handpieces

The six main dental handpieces are: high speed, low speed, electric, air driven, surgical and fiber optic 

Each type of dental handpiece is characterized by a unique feature to ease the dentist’s work and comfort the patients.

1- High-Speed Handpieces

Before sterilizing high-speed handpieces, they should be lubricated with an ideal lubricant. To choose a high-quality lubricant, you should consider its viscosity, weight, runout, and stability.

For example 

KaVo Dental Oil Lubrication spray is a premium, universal care spray designed for the maintenance and lubrication of KaVo dental instruments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

2- Low-Speed Handpieces

Dental pieces that can be removed from the air or water line should be sterilized using heat, and the dentist or the professional responsible for the sterilization process should follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, whether for cleaning, lubricating, or sterilizing. Also, chemical disinfectant should not be used to sterilize surfaces or dental pieces because it quickly evaporates, which means there is not enough time to sterilize effectively.

For example 

NSK 1:1 Straight Handpiece X-SG65L Optic is a low-speed dental handpiece, and one of its amazing features is the Clean Head System. It protects internal parts from contamination and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

3- Electric Handpieces

Replace the tattered tools regularly and keep an eye on them to increase the lifespan of the handpiece. Inspect the chuck and make sure it does not need maintenance

NSK Electrical Micromotor-NLZ is a compact, high-performance dental handpiece designed to enhance dental treatments.

It features advanced technology for superior safety and flexibility, allowing seamless integration into various installation styles

4- Air-Driven Handpieces

This type uses an air compressor, which is the main part of the handpiece device, and it depends on air pressure, noise reduction, and flow rate.

Use the right cycle when autoclaving to avoid overheating; the right cycles are explained in the manufacturer’s instructions, but in general, set the autoclave for 134°C (273°F) for 4 minutes or 121°C (250°F) for 30 minutes.

The NSK High Speed Dental Air Motor M205LG M4 is a high-speed dental air motor known for its quiet operation, minimal vibration, and built-in LED illumination.

It offers compatibility with various Dental handpieces and is autoclavable for optimal hygiene. Ideal for precision dental work, it ensures reliable and efficient performance.

5- Surgical Handpieces

They are used to do surgical tasks such as bone removal, so its design should be comfortable and ideal for the dentist and for the patient.

There are electric and air-driven handpieces, and each type has its own features. 

The electric handpiece is quieter and more expensive, while the air-driven handpiece is louder and less expensive, and both have low-speed (contra-angles, straight pieces) and high-speed types.

When choosing a surgical handpiece, light and noise play a vital part because light eases the surgical process and offers a clear vision to the dentists, and the louder noise gives the patient and the dentists comfort and less stress.

KAVO Handpiece-SURGmatic S201 XL Pro with light is a high-performance surgical handpiece designed for dental implantology and other surgical procedures.

This handpiece is designed to offer precision, reliability, and comfort, making it an essential tool for dental professionals.

6- Fiber-Optic Handpieces

It is a device with a light transmission system that uses a fiber optic bundle to provide a brighter vision to the dentists.

Fiber optic handpieces help in running extremely precise dental surgeries with a brighter vision for the smallest details.

NSK Contra-Angle Handpiece X25L Optic It is a surgical headpiece that unrivaled reliability and superior operator and patient comfort reflect all the expertise that has been built into each and every model of the NSK Ti-Max X Series.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Dental Handpieces

Different types of dental handpieces require specific care and sterilization techniques. Even though it all comes down to the original three methods for sterilizing dental handpieces (heat sterilization, pre-sterilization steps, packaging, and autoclaving). Here is some advice for each type of sterilization:

1. High-Speed Handpieces

Use proper lubrication before and after sterilization to keep the bearings and turbines in good condition and ensure the handpiece is fully dry after autoclaving to prevent rust and corrosion.

Don’t expose high-speed handpieces to excessive heat beyond manufacturer recommendations because it can warp internal components.

 Handpieces like the EXPERTmatic™ E20L or the MASTERtorque™ M9000 L are designed for reliability, helping you achieve smooth operations day in and day out.

2. Low-Speed Handpieces

Before sterilizing low-speed handpieces, always take apart any detachable parts like motors, contra-angles, and straight attachments.

Don’t put low-speed motors in the autoclave unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe, as some motors can’t handle the heat. To keep the handpiece working well, use an approved cleaner to remove debris before applying lubrication, which helps prevent buildup inside.

3. Electric Handpieces

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as electric handpieces have sensitive internal mechanisms because submerged electric handpieces in water or cleaning solutions, as moisture can damage the motor.
And clean external surfaces with a disinfectant wipe before autoclaving any sterilizable parts.

4. Air-Driven Handpieces

Drying after sterilization is crucial to prevent internal moisture buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth. But don’t use excessive lubrication, as excess oil can clog the turbine and affect performance.

Finally, test the Air-Driven Handpiece after sterilization to ensure the airflow and rotation are functioning properly.

5. Surgical Handpieces

When cleaning a dental handpiece, it is important to prevent blood and tissue debris from drying inside.
Surgical handpieces need regular lubrication because of their precise design, so don’t skip this step. After sterilization, always store them in a clean, dry place to keep them hygienic and away from contamination.

6. Fiber-Optic Handpieces

Use a gentle disinfectant on the light surfaces, which protects fiber-optic handpieces and avoids damaging the lens. Don’t use harsh chemicals because they reduce light quality over time.

After sterilization, always check that the light functions perfectly to ensure clear visibility during procedures.

By following these considerations while following the methods for sterilizing dental handpieces for each type, you can extend their lifespan, dental handpiece maintenance, high performance, and ensure patient safety.

Ensure you’re using the right accessories and tools for the job.

For instance, proper packaging and sterilization equipment, such as those compatible with SONICflex™ 2003 handpieces, can enhance the sterilization process and improve both safety and efficiency.

FQAs:

1- What is the best way to sterilize a handpiece?

The best way to sterilize a dental handpiece is autoclaving, which uses high-pressure steam to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

2- Which method of sterilization is most appropriate for a dental handpiece?

Heat sterilization, specifically autoclaving, is the most appropriate method for sterilizing dental handpieces. It ensures the complete elimination of microorganisms and prevents cross-contamination.

3- What are the acceptable methods of sterilization in dentistry?

The three most accepted sterilization methods in dentistry include:

– Autoclaving (Steam Sterilization).

– Dry Heat Sterilization.

– Chemical Vapor Sterilization (Chemiclave).

4- What types of heat sterilization are appropriate for high-speed handpieces?

The most appropriate heat sterilization method for high-speed dental handpieces is steam autoclaving for both internal and external components while maintaining the handpiece’s integrity.

Conclusion

With the right preparation, your practice can run at its best and avoid expensive repairs.

Following the right methods for sterilizing dental handpieces is the key to understanding and maintaining these sophisticated tools; if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and require adherence to protocols, good dental handpiece maintenance is very achievable.

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