Endodontic file sterilization VS single used critical issue need to uncover the truth: Disinfection: It is the destruction or removal of all pathogenic micro-organisms which give rise to infection but not necessarily their spore forms. Sterilization: It is the process by which the surface or medium is freed of all microorganisms either in the vegetative or spore state. The goal of instrument sterilization in dentistry is to protect patients from cross contamination via instruments. Thus, utmost care should be taken to clean and sterilize each and every instrument before it is used in patients (Sureshchandra et al). Endodontic files, as packaged by the manufacturer, are not sterile and should therefore be sterilized before first use. The re-sterilization procedures tested here were not adequate, and more rigorous sterilization procedures are needed. If such procedures cannot be devised, these instruments should perhaps be considered single-use devices (Morrison and Conrod, 2009). PROBLEM: Pre-cleaning and sterilization of some instruments can be difficult because of their small size and complex architecture. Endodontic files are slender, tapered instruments with intricate topography and spiral cutting edges used for cleaning and shaping root canals. Used instruments must be thoroughly pre-cleaned before sterilization, to remove visible debris by either brushing or ultrasonic cleaning. The most commonly used method for Sterilization in clinical practice is Steam under pressure in steam autoclave. TRUTH: Endodontic files, as supplied by the manufacturers to the Endodontists are not pre-sterile routinely but recently certain endodontic files have been introduced into practice which are pre-sterile. The routine sterilization procedure followed in clinical and academic practice is autoclaving for both new and used instruments, rotary as well as hand. Raju et al in 2013, study & compare 4 different methods of sterilizing endodontic files in dental practice. The study showed that the files sterilized by autoclave and lasers were completely sterile. They concluded that autoclave or laser could be used as a method of sterilization in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Any dental file package need to sterilized before used otherwise the company will mentioned the package sterilized like VDW file that come sterilized & ready to used directly. The key for sterilization by thoroughly pre-cleaning of file & good inspection better with magnification lens & used the steam pressure sterilization (autoclave). If such procedures cannot be devised, these instruments should perhaps be considered single-use devices BY: Dr. Mohammad Khalil \ M.Sc. Conservative © 2014
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:16:53 +0000