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The sterilization of endodontic hand files
1Division of Endodontics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Steam autoclaving is the only reliable method for sterilizing endodontic hand files, ensuring complete sterility of both metal and plastic components. Other methods like glutaraldehyde and salt sterilization are inadequate for achieving full file sterility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sterilization Techniques
- Dental Instruments
Background:
- Ensuring complete sterility of endodontic hand files is critical for infection control.
- Various sterilization methods exist, but their efficacy on all parts of the file (metal shaft and plastic handle) is not always clear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different sterilization methods for endodontic hand files.
- To determine the optimal method for achieving complete file sterility, including both metallic and plastic components.
Main Methods:
- Six groups of 15 endodontic files were subjected to different sterilization protocols.
- Test organisms, Bacillus stearothermophilus, were used to assess sterility.
- Methods included glutaraldehyde immersion, steam autoclaving, and various salt sterilization techniques.
Main Results:
- Only steam autoclaving consistently achieved complete sterilization of the endodontic files.
- Glutaraldehyde immersion and salt sterilization methods failed to provide adequate sterility for the instruments.
- Incomplete sterilization was observed with non-autoclaving methods, compromising instrument safety.
Conclusions:
- Proper steam autoclaving is the only validated method for sterilizing endodontic hand files.
- Glutaraldehyde solutions and salt sterilization techniques are insufficient for ensuring complete file sterility.
- Relying on inadequate methods poses a risk of infection transmission in endodontic procedures.