✅ If a Handpiece Falls: Is Changing the Cartridge Enough? What If There's a Dent?

 If a Handpiece Falls: Is Changing the Cartridge Enough? What If There's a Dent?

When a dental handpiece (like an airotor) falls, many dentists think "Let me just change the cartridge—it’ll be fine."
That’s partially correct, but not always enough. Let’s understand why.

 

🔹 Step 1: Cartridge Replacement After a Fall

Yes, replacing the cartridge (which includes the bearings, impeller, spindle, and chuck) can often restore performance if the damage is limited to the internal rotating parts.
This helps fix issues like:

• Noisy operation
• Poor bur grip
• Reduced speed
• Vibration due to bearing damage

✅ So, if the outer shell is intact, changing the cartridge often works well.

 

🔹 Step 2: What If There's a Dent on the Head (Outer Shell)?

If there’s a dent on the handpiece head (near the bur area), even after replacing the cartridge, you may still face problems:

Here’s why:

• Imbalance: The dent can throw off the rotor's balance, causing continued vibration or noise.
  
  
• Bur misalignment: The bur may not rotate centrally, affecting cutting precision.
  
  
• Turbine clearance issues: A dented head can reduce internal space, causing friction or rubbing against the cartridge.
  
  
• Overheating risk: Improper airflow and friction can generate heat, making procedures unsafe or uncomfortable.

 

🔹 ⚠️ Summary: If There’s a Dent, Changing the Cartridge May Not Be Enough

Even a small dent in the head cap or shell can make a difference. You might fix the internal mechanism—but the geometry and airflow of the handpiece are still compromised.

 

🔧 What’s the Best Practice?

1. Minor drop, no dent? → Change cartridge and test.
   
   
2. Visible dent on head or body? → Best to replace the head cap (if detachable) or the entire shell.
   
   
3. Unsure? → Send for service evaluation. Reputable brands or dealers (like BRIXO-authorized centers) can check with precision tools.

🦷 BRIXO Tip

BRIXO handpieces are designed with sturdy external bodies and high-quality cartridges—but like all high-precision instruments, a physical dent after a fall can still affect long-term performance.

Always handle your airotor with care—and when in doubt, get it professionally inspected.

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