Electric Handpieces Can Overheat

The FDA last month advised dentists that serious patient injuries, including third-degree burns, have been associated with poorly maintained electric dental handpieces. Some burns have been severe enough to require plastic surgery. The burns occur when handpieces that haven't been properly maintained overheat during dental procedures. Neither the patient nor the dentist may be aware that the handpiece is overheating because the patient is anesthetized and the handpiece housing insulates the dentist from the heat. Earlier this year in the ADA Professional Product Review report on electric handpieces, the FDA urged dentists to strictly adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for use, maintenance and lubrication.