Sterilization And Disinfection In Dentistry

Sterilization And Disinfection In Dentistry

Question 1. Write short note on methods of sterilization of dental instruments.

Answer. Following are the methods for sterilization of a dental instrument:

• Placing the instrument presoaking solutions, i.e.phenolic compounds prevents drying of debris and also helps in microbial killing.
• Autoclaving is the most accepted method of sterilization of surgical instruments as it eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
  It works on the principle of steam under pressure of 15 lb at l2l°C for 20 min or 30 lb at l34°C for 3 minutes.
  It has excellent penetration, facilitating exposure of all instrument surfaces to the steam.
• Dry heat ovens or the unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizers are the other means of sterilization.
  Hot air ovens require 160°C and 2 hours for sterilization
• Ultraviolet light may kill microorganisms that are directly exposed to the light; however, the light may not reach all the surface of an instrument. A temperature of l60°C–l70°C maintained for l hour is capable of sterilization.
• Glass bead sterilizers are used to sterilize endodontic files and burs in beads. They require 10 seconds for sterilization.

Question 2. Write briefly on chemical sterilization.

Answer. Chemical sterilization is also known as cold sterilization.
Following are the various chemicals used in chemical sterilization:

Question 3. Write difference between sterilization and disinfection.

Answer.