Sterilization of Dental Instruments
At Dentura Dental Instruments, we manufacture high-quality reusable dental instruments that must be disinfected or sterilized before each use. It is crucial that dentists ensure the instruments used during treatments are completely clean and free of any harmful microorganisms to protect patient safety. Sterilization is a vital process in the reprocessing of reusable dental instruments that have been, or may have been, contaminated.
General Instructions:
All dental instruments are supplied in a non-sterile condition and must be disinfected or sterilized after removal from their protective packaging, before use. The responsibility for ensuring the sterility of the instruments lies with the user. Therefore, validated cleaning and sterilization procedures should always be followed.
Cleaning of Instruments:
The first step in the sterilization process is cleaning the instruments to remove debris such as tissue, body fluids, blood, oil, or other deposits that may accumulate during clinical use. Contaminants can obstruct proper sterilization by preventing direct contact between steam and the instrument surfaces. Any residual debris left on instruments before sterilization can become fixed, making it harder to remove later. Therefore, thorough cleaning is critical to ensuring effective sterilization.
Make sure all instruments are properly cleaned and dried before placing them in the sterilizer chamber or autoclave.
Recommended Cleaning Process:
- Automated Cleaning: It is recommended to use an automated dental instrument washer-disinfector or ultrasonic bath to clean the instruments. Automated cleaning is more efficient and effective for sterilization.
- Manual Cleaning: Manual cleaning, such as hand scrubbing, should only be used when automated cleaning is unavailable. Be aware that manual cleaning is significantly less efficient. If any debris remains after automated cleaning, further cleaning should be performed.
Dental Instruments Inspection:
After cleaning and before sterilization, it is essential to inspect the instruments carefully. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent rust or corrosion from forming. Proper inspection helps maintain the quality and longevity of the instruments.
Sterilization of Dental Instruments:
Sterilization is a critical step in reprocessing dental instruments that may be contaminated with saliva, blood, or other biological fluids. After inspection, prepare the instruments for sterilization using the recommended methods outlined below. Other methods of sterilization are at the discretion of the user.
Recommended Steam Sterilization Process:
| Sterilization Method | Temperature | Time | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Autoclave | 250°F / 121°C | 20 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
Loading and Processing Instruments:
Once the instruments have been inspected, they should be wrapped and placed in sterilization perforated cassettes or trays with instrument rails to prevent collision or scratching from other sharp instruments. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper sterilization:
- Do not overlap instruments.
- Hinged instruments such as scissors and forceps should be left open to expose all surfaces to the steam.
- Avoid overloading the sterilizer chamber or individual trays.
Warning:
Failure to follow the proper cleaning, handling, and sterilization instructions can significantly reduce the lifespan of the dental instruments and may compromise patient safety. Dentura Dental Instruments will not be held liable for any consequences resulting from the improper use of our products.
Storage:
Dental instruments should be stored in a controlled environment with temperatures between 5-40°C and relative humidity levels of up to 70%. Proper storage will help maintain the sterility and functionality of the instruments until they are ready for use.