Do Electric Handpieces Need Oil?

A couple weeks ago I received an excellent question that I thought I would share with everyone.

Is it important to use an automatic oiler with the electric handpiece attachments?

The oiling of the electric handpiece attachments is very important to make them last. We are referring to the 1:5 heads that are used to turn the electric motors into highspeed handpieces. The procedure, for oiling them manually, requires that we use an aerosol oil with a special adapter. KaVo recommends KaVo Spray Oil #0411.9650 and adapter #0411-9931. We begin by holding the handpiece in a paper towel and using the spray can and adapter, spray into the back for 2 or 3 seconds. Next the handpiece should be run for 20 to 30 seconds to blow out the oil before sterilization. The use of units like the Quatro Care or the Asistina do these procedures automatically. In the fast pace of most offices the Quatro Care and the Assistina save time and ensure that the job is done properly. Do not forget that there is no guarantee that the chuck that holds the bur will get oiled unless a couple of drops of oil are manually put in it at least weekly.

– John Wiltrout