ABSTRACT
Recent increased awareness of dental unit waterline contamination has prompted investigations into potential protocols for improvement in the quality of water delivered to patients. When the protocol was followed (n = 12), contamination levels were reduced to below measurable colony forming units (CFU) defined as < 1 CFU/mL within three weeks and maintained thereafter. When adherence to the protocol was not strictly followed after initial disinfection, contamination quickly returned and remained until additional disinfection was performed.
Subject(s)
Dental Equipment/microbiology , Infection Control, Dental , Water Microbiology , Colony Count, Microbial , Dental Disinfectants , Disinfection , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Sodium HypochloriteABSTRACT
A periodontal probe has been developed which utilizes a vernier gauge to permit direct measurement to one-tenth millimeter. This configuration eliminates the need for multiple step measurements using stents or calipers. The probe can be sterilized easily to make measurements during surgical procedures. The probe should prove useful in clinical research, minor tooth movement and patient treatment documentation.
