Most modern handpieces are now equipped with 360 degree swivel couplers to make handpiece more maneuverable, and reduce stress to the hand caused by constantly fighting the dental air line connector hose. Most of these couplers, including Kavo, Star, W&H, Sirona, Lares, and others require handpiece coupler o-rings to complete the seal, ensuring air and water follow their respective paths efficiently. In most cases if the handpiece begins to leak water or air at the swivel connection, the handpiece coupler o-rings are the cause.
Handpiece Coupler O-Rings – Replacement
If you have a new o-ring kit on hand (usually a pack of 2 or 3 o-rings), remove the old o-rings with an explorer pick and clean the grooves in which the o-rings rested. Replace with new o-rings using the explorer pick again, if necessary. Sometimes a little handpiece lubricant on the o-rings will help them along without stretching them too much.