Continued from Part 1

Mechanical cleaning with an ultrasonic bath

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Ultrasonic baths are an effective method for cleaning intricate, jointed or serrated stainless steel as well as metal instruments and items that are heavily soiled, for example with cement. High-frequency sound waves that create regions of alternating high and low pressure in the bath generates cavitation that is the foundation to how ultrasonic cleaning works. Bubbles form in the detergent under low pressure implode when the pressure changes from low to high, dislodging debris from nooks and crannies of the instruments thus cleaning the surface. Continue reading →

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Elimination of cross-infection is a major responsibility for all health care workers. In dentistry it is achieved by employing disposable items and ensuring that all non-disposable instruments are properly cleaned before being sterilized, preferably by autoclaving. The CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings—2003 are the standard of care for infection control in dentistry. Continue reading →