Dental handpieces are an essential part of dental care. They are used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Dental handpiece sterilisation is necessary between each use to prevent the spread of bacteria. This guide will discuss dental handpiece sterilisation using steam and chemical methods properly. Let’s get started!
What are dental handpieces used for?
Dental handpieces perform a range of essential functions, including removing tooth decay, cleaning, shaping and shaving before dental procedures such as veneers or crowns, removing old, damaged, or temporary fillings and crowns, and cleaning and shaping root canals.
Sterilisation of dental handpieces
Is essential to
– prevent the spread of bacteria
– maintain dental handpiece efficacy
– extend dental handpiece lifespan
Step-by-step guide to reprocessing dental handpieces and burs
Dental handpieces and burs require special care to ensure they are adequately cleaned and sterilised. The following steps should be followed when reprocessing dental handpieces and burs:
– Remove any visible dirt or debris from the dental handpiece or bur using a soft brush.
– Place the dental handpiece or bur in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with water and detergent.
– Run the ultrasonic cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Rinse the dental handpiece or bur thoroughly with water.
– Place the dental handpiece or bur in a drying oven set to low heat.
– Once dry, store the dental handpiece or bur in a clean, dry area until ready for use.
How often should dental handpieces be sterilised?
It is recommended that dental handpieces be sterilised after each use. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your dental handpieces in good working condition.
In what type of autoclave should all handpieces be sterilised?
All handpieces should be sterilised in a dental autoclave. Autoclaves use steam to sterilise dental instruments and other items. Autoclaves are the most common type of steriliser used in dental practices. They are quick and effective and do not require harsh chemicals. To sterilise dental handpieces using an autoclave, follow these steps:
– Fill the autoclave with water and turn it on to heat up.
– Place the dental handpieces in a wire basket or tray that will fit inside the autoclave.
– When the water has reached boiling point, place the tray of dental handpieces into the autoclave and close the door.
– Run the cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
– When the cycle is complete, remove the dental handpieces from the autoclave.
Maintenance of handpieces
To ensure dental handpieces are working correctly, it is essential to maintain them regularly. This includes sterilising them after each use, lubricating them as needed, and having them serviced by a professional at least once a year. By taking these steps, you can prolong the life of your dental handpieces and keep them in good working condition. Sterilising dental handpieces is essential for preventing bacteria spread and maintaining their efficacy.
Reprocessing dental handpieces and burs
The CDC recognises that the dental community requires clear, consistent guidelines on the best way to reprocess dental handpiece devices between patient encounters. CDC guidelines for infection prevention and control state that, between patients, dental health care personnel (DHCP) should clean and heat-sterilise handpieces and other intraoral instruments that can be removed from the air and waterlines of dental units.
It is critical for a dental practice that dental handpiece devices, burs, and other medical devices be reprocessed after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria. There are two methods of dental handpiece sterilisation: steam and chemical. While both will effectively sterilise dental handpieces, steam sterilisation is the most common method used in dental practices.
How do autoclaves work?
Autoclaves work by using steam to sterilise dental instruments and other items. Autoclaves are the most common type of steriliser used in dental practices. They are quick and effective and do not require harsh chemicals.
Which instruments do not need sterilisation?
Dental instruments that do not come into contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin do not need to be sterilised. These include items such as external components of X-ray heads.
What is the best way to store dental instruments?
The best way to store dental tools is in a dry place where they will not be exposed to moisture or chemicals. Dental instruments should also be stored where they will not be subject to physical damage.
In conclusion, dental handpiece sterilisation is important for preventing bacteria spread and maintaining their efficacy. In this guide, we discussed how to properly sterilise dental handpieces using both steam and chemical methods. We hope this guide has been helpful! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about how to sterilise dental handpieces. We would be happy to assist you.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-aseptic-technique
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/dental-infection-control-basics
