Dental turbines are essential tools in any dental practice, but improper usage or maintenance can lead to premature failures. Knowing the common causes of dental turbine issues can help extend their lifespan and improve performance. Here are the top five reasons dental turbines fail and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Rapid Cooldowns After Sterilization
Cooling handpieces too quickly with cold water after sterilization can cause warping of critical components. This sudden temperature change can weaken the structure of the turbine and may even introduce contaminants onto sterilized instruments. To prevent this, allow turbines to cool naturally after sterilization.
2. Running Handpieces Without Burs
Operating handpieces without burs can damage the spindle and chuck assemblies. The absence of a bur during rotation causes uneven stress on the chuck, leading to premature wear. Always ensure a properly seated bur is in place before activating the handpiece.
3. Irregular Lubrication
Failure to lubricate regularly is a leading cause of turbine bearings and chuck malfunctions. Proper lubrication is essential for reducing friction and preventing debris buildup in the bearings. The chuck should be lubricated at least once a week to remove debris and keep it functioning smoothly. Without proper lubrication, debris buildup can prevent the chuck from securely holding burs.
4. Using Incorrect Burs
One of the most common reasons for dental turbine failure is the use of incorrect burs. Burs with a diameter smaller than 1.59 mm, often from low-cost manufacturers, may be too soft or thin for high-speed operation. This leads to poor chuck grip and instability during rotation at 300,000 RPM or higher, eventually causing chuck mechanism failures. Always choose high-quality burs from trusted suppliers to avoid these issues.
5. Broken Bearings
Turbine bearings are prone to failure, especially under poor operating conditions. Common causes of bearing failure include:
- Debris from inadequate cleaning or lubrication;
- Excessive air pressure that overworks the bearings;
- High sterilization temperatures that degrade materials;
- Side-load stress from improper handling or use;
- Contaminated water from air compressors;
- Bent or improperly seated burs, which create uneven forces;
- Low-cost ball bearings from unreliable manufacturers;
To prevent bearing failure, follow manufacturer guidelines, use quality lubricants and inspect turbines regularly for signs of wear.
Final Thoughts
By understanding these common causes of dental turbine failures, dental professionals can take proactive steps to maintain their equipment. Regular maintenance, proper handling, and investing in high-quality spare parts are crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your dental turbines.
If you missed any of the key reasons why your dental turbine might be giving up on you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with top-quality replacement parts that’ll keep your handpieces spinning smoothly! Shop our collection of dental turbine rotors, cartridges and other handpieces accessories here.