[Sterilization in the daily dental practice]

The author's paper, published p. 395, 1976, has been the subject of discussion. He clarifies his standpoint. Sterilization by heat of dental instruments is but an element in the chain of manipulations destined to avoid infection in the operative field. While for the current instrumentation the heat treatment at 140 degrees C for 90 minutes may be considered to be sufficient, autoclave treatment is indispensable for surgical treatments.