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Control of microbial contamination with commercially available cleaning solutions
M Assery1, P C Sugrue, G N Graser
1Department of Prosthodontics, Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, N.Y.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Ultrasonic cleaning of dental prostheses can cause microbial cross-contamination. Specialized cleaners, not just water, are needed to effectively eliminate bacteria during ultrasonic cleaning to improve infection control.
Area of Science:
- Dental hygiene
- Infection control
- Microbiology
Background:
- Effective infection control in dental settings requires preventing cross-contamination between the operatory and laboratory.
- Ultrasonic cleaning is a common method for dental prosthesis maintenance, but its potential for microbial dissemination is a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if microbial cross-contamination occurs during ultrasonic cleaning of dental prostheses.
- To evaluate methods for reducing or eliminating microbial contamination during this process.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of antimicrobial activities of temporary cement remover, tartar and stain remover, deionized water, and a strong antimicrobial agent.
- Assessment of solutions with and without ultrasonication.
- Culturing of microbicidal strains in brain-heart infusion broth with and without acrylic resin slabs, with or without sonication.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonication in combination with certain cleaning solutions may reduce microbial load on dental prostheses.
- The effectiveness of different cleaning agents varied significantly when used with ultrasonication.
Conclusions:
- Microbial cross-contamination during ultrasonic cleaning of dental prostheses is a potential risk.
- The choice of cleaning agent is critical for effective microbial elimination during ultrasonic cleaning.
- Further research using naturally contaminated denture materials is recommended to validate findings.