Sterilisation Of Rotary Cutting Instruments – A Survey On Current Practices

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to obtain the information regarding present sterilization procedures followed for sterilizing Rotary cutting instruments or burs in routine dental practices using a Questionnaire and to assess the effectiveness of those procedures in preventing cross infection, and to recommend an effective sterilization protocol to be followed while using rotary cutting dental burs. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire which was pre-validated was used to collect the information regarding the methods followed to sterilize the rotary cutting instruments in 100 dental clinics in and around Hyderabad and the effectiveness of those methods were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: The procedures undertaken by our clinicians in their day to day practice to resterilize rotary cutting burs are poorly effective, the risk of cross-infection is very high with those methods. Conclusion: The cleaning and resterilization procedures of rotary cutting instruments that were followed regularly in clinical practice were not adequate, and more rigorous procedures are needed. If such procedures cannot be devised, these instruments should perhaps be considered single-use devices.