🔹 What Happens if a Dental Airotor Falls? Understanding the Risks and Realities

What Happens if a Dental Airotor Falls? Understanding the Risks and Realities

Dental airotors are precision instruments, finely engineered to perform high-speed procedures with accuracy, comfort, and control. But what happens when that delicate handpiece slips from the hand or tray—and hits the floor?

Let’s break it down.

🔹 1. Immediate Damage: It May Look Fine… But It’s Not

When an airotor falls, even from a short height, internal damage is likely—even if there are no visible signs. Some of the most common issues include:

• Cartridge misalignment: The spindle or turbine may shift slightly, affecting rotation balance and speed.
• Bearing damage: Ceramic or stainless-steel bearings can crack or chip, leading to vibration or noise.
• Bur holding issues: The chuck mechanism may loosen or malfunction, resulting in poor bur grip or wobble.

🔹 2. Performance Degradation: What the Dentist Will Feel

Dentists often report these after a fall:

• Increased noise or vibration
• Decreased cutting efficiency
• A subtle "wobble" or loss of smooth rotation
• Reduced patient comfort during procedures

In short: the handpiece just doesn’t “feel” the same. And that’s a red flag.

🔹 3. Hygiene & Sterilization Concerns

A fall can crack micro-surfaces or misalign internal parts, making complete sterilization more difficult. Over time, this increases the risk of internal contamination—something no clinic wants to face.

🔹 4. What Should You Do If Your Airotor Falls?

• Stop using it immediately.
• Inspect visually for external cracks or bent parts.
• If you hear noise or feel vibration, do not continue use.
• Send it for professional servicing  - especially if you're using high-performance models like BRIXO.

🔹 5. How to Prevent Airotor Drops

• Always use a stable handpiece holder or magnetic stand.
• Train assistants to handle and transfer handpieces carefully.
• Avoid overloading trays or working on cluttered surfaces.
• Consider using rubber grip mats in your operatory.

🔹 Final Word: Prevention is Smart. So Is Precision.

Dental airotors are not just tools—they’re the heart of modern dental procedures. A fall might seem minor, but it can quietly impact performance, patient experience, and even your clinical results.

That’s why brands like BRIXO build for durability and balance, but even the best tools need proper handling.

Take care of your airotor—and it will take care of your work.

BRIXO Dental - The NAME you can TRUST