[Cleaning implantation burs. Observations using scanning electron microscopy]

Drastic aseptic conditions are necessary in implantological treatments. A good sterilizing procedure of the specific instrumentation, like drills, is based on an efficient cleaning. Because of their design, the cleaning of drills is a real challenge. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate two different cleaning procedures usually used by implantologists. One is based on a manual cleaning, the other on an ultra-sonic cleaning. The instrument observed by scan-electron-microscope, is a I.T.I. system drill. The results show the superiority of the ultra-sonic cleaning. The manual cleaning is especially ineffective on the inside and the cutting part of the drill. Even if ultra-sonic cleaning is definitely a better procedure, it has to be improved. A extensive study should be conducted to optimize the cleaning parameters, if not, single-use drill should be definitely preferred by implantologists.