Sterilization Techniques for Dental Instruments

According to the Centers for Disease Control, dental instruments are classified into three categories depending on the risk of transmitting infection. Let’s take a look at the sterilization techniques for dental instruments below:

Sterilization Techniques

1. Critical Instruments – These are used to penetrate soft tissue or bone, or ones that contact the bloodstream or other normally sterile tissue. These should be sterilized after ever use. Sterilization is achieved through steam under pressure, dry heat, or heat/chemical vapor.
2. Semi-Critical instruments – These instruments do not penetrate soft tissues or bone, but contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin such as mirrors, reusable impression trays, and amalgam condensers. These also require sterilization after each use.
3. Non-Critical Instruments – There come into contact with skin such as external components of x-ray heads. An intermediate level disinfectant should be applied after each use.

The sterilization of equipment and materials used in dentistry is incredibly beneficial to a patient. It provides the necessary safety precautions that ensure no diseases or other infections are contracted through usage. Sterilization provides a safer more comfortable environment in which a patient can relax without feeling anxious or weary of any tools used.

If you have questions about sterilization techniques for dental instruments or how our office sterilizes our equipment call the office of Graham Farless, DDS and our friendly and informative staff can answer any questions you may have. Our patients are our number one priority!

Call today at 336-282-2868. Visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.