The primary goal to sterilize dental instruments is to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another. By sterilizing every dental instrument properly, the risk of infection is dramatically reduced.

The bacteria and other microbes on dental instruments cannot be decontaminated by just using water, detergent and a brush.

Dental practices may be hesitant to autoclave handpieces after each use as heavy sterilization may ruin the handpiece itself, especially the sheath and turbine.

Since these tools are expensive, many practices do not sterilize them after every patient. However, if these handpieces undergo regular cleaning and maintenance then their lifespan can be increased.