Autoclave Use
Autoclave use is, without a doubt, one of the largest contributing factors leading to the failure of dental handpieces. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommends sterilization by autoclave on each handpiece prior to use on patients to prevent the spread of blood born pathogens. This results in multiple cycles of extreme heat (134 C or 275 F for approximately 18 minutes), followed by cooling to room temperature throughout the day.
Dental bearings are some of the most highly scrutinized in the bearing industry due to their expected exposure to the constant heating and cooling of the autoclave cycle. Tolerances (distances between rotating and stationary parts) are some of the very tightest in the industry. The balls ride in a cage, usually made of synthetic materials like phenolic, polymide, or torlon. While cage materials would naturally become brittle over time with regular use, this time is shortened considerably due to the autoclave.
Other problems caused by the autoclave are moisture introduced during the heating cycle, as well as bearing contact with cage materials due to the difference at which each expand or contract with changes in temperature. Moisture problems can be limited with the use of autoclave bags containing paper on one side which, when placed in the autoclave facing upward, allows steam to escape quicker, resulting in less exposure to handpiece turbine. The difference in material expansion is helped greatly by removing handpiece from autoclave immediately following sterilization, and allowing it to cool completely to room temperature prior to each subsequent use. Any attempt to cool too fast (such as running cold water over it) will result in rubbing, and increased probability of handpiece failure.
If you have suffered the technical jargon this far, we have to assume that you are interested in the subject, and probably perform some function in the dental profession. The purpose of this article is to inform, as well as, assist in the purchase of the correct equipment. In our opinion, Tuttnauer, Pelton & Crane, and Midmark are three of the most credible in the industry, all with long track records of consistant performance. Consistent cycle times and temperature ranges are key to selecting the correct machine. Autoclave must consistently heat handpieces to no greater than the required temperature. Heating to higher temperatures would be unnecessary, resulting in wasted energy and higher handpiece failure rates. While this may seem like a very simple problem, many manufacturers have difficulty with it. The fact is, higher temperatures and longer autoclave cycles result in higher handpiece failure rates.
We hope this will assist you in making an informed decision when considering the purchase of autoclave and sterilization appliances.
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