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Plasma cleaning of dental instruments
A G Whittaker1, E M Graham, R L Baxter
1School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK. g.whittaker@ed.ac.uk
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|January 7, 2004
Summary
Gas plasma etching effectively cleans prion-contaminated endodontic files, significantly reducing organic material. This method offers a safe and effective decontamination solution for dental and surgical instruments, minimizing disease transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Materials Science
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Prion transmission via surgical instruments is a significant concern due to prion protein's surface affinity.
- Conventional sterilization methods are often insufficient for removing organic material, including prions.
- Contamination on sterilized endodontic files is particularly concerning due to potential contact with nerve tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a commercial gas plasma etcher for cleaning prion-contaminated endodontic files.
- To assess the reduction of organic material on endodontic files after plasma cleaning.
Main Methods:
- Endodontic files were exposed to a low-pressure oxygen-argon plasma using a commercial gas plasma etcher.
- Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used to determine contamination levels before and after plasma cleaning.
Main Results:
- Plasma cleaning reduced organic material, including protein, to below the detection limit of the instruments.
- The gas plasma etcher proved effective in decontaminating endodontic files.
Conclusions:
- Gas plasma cleaning is a safe and effective method for decontaminating dental instruments, reducing the risk of iatrogenic disease transmission.
- The plasma cleaning method shows potential for broader application in decontaminating general surgical instruments.
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