INFECTION CONTROL
IN COSERVATIVE AND ENDODON
TICS
Presented by Dr. Anisha ( Pg 1st yr )
Dept of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
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APPLYING FIRST AID AFTER AN EXPOSURE INCIDENT
1. Stop operation immediately
2. Remove gloves
3. Do not squeeze the site of visible blood
4. Wash your hand thoroughly, using antimicrobial soap and warm
water
5. Dry your hand
6. Apply small amount of antipseptic to the affected area.
Preferred method of sterilization/disinfection
Stainless steel burs
They become easily blunt and corrode after multiple uses and hence must be
discarded into the sharps waste sooner. This is commonly seen after the third or
fourth cycle of use, particularly when a corrosion inhibitor is not used during
reprocessing. They are also more difficult to clean as compared to other types
Diamond burs
They are designed for reprocessing. However, the resin carrier for
the diamond does degrade with multiple sterilization cycles. Some
brands employ chrome cobalt alloy as a matrix for the diamond
particles, which is long lasting.
Surgical burs
From almost all the articles, it is evident that steam sterilization
(autoclaving) continues to be more efficacious than other methods
evaluated, followed closely by dry heat sterilization. The reason for this
mainly is that moist heat has better penetrative potential as compared to
dry heat.
Endodontic files
Disinfection followed by autoclaving continues to be the most efficacious
method compared to the rest of the methods
Endodontic box instead of plastic packaging for autoclaving gave
marginally better results.
NiTi endodontic rotary files
1. Immediately after use remove stoppers and insert the
files into a scouring sponge soaked with chlorhexidine gluconate
aqueous solution.
2. Clean the files by using 10 vigorous in-and-out strokes
in the sponge.
3. Place the files in a wire mesh basket and immerse in a
suitable enzymatic cleaning solution for 30 min.
4. Follow this by 15 min ultrasonification in the enzymatic
cleaning solution.
5. Drain and rinse in running water for 20s.
6. Proceed to steam sterilization.
Ultrasonic tips
Most of the ultrasonic tips are autoclavable.
Endodontic post
The post can be wiped with alcohol and then allowed to air dry before use.
Gutta-percha cones
Sodium hypochlorite immersion with concentrations ranging from 2% to 5.25% for a
minimum time of 5–10 min.
Alternatively, chlorhexidine can be used in a concentration equal to 2% for a shorter
period (1–2 min)
Absorbent paper points
Many studies indicates that absorbent paper points maintain their sterility
only for a maximum duration of 1 week and hence require resterilization
after that.
Both dry and wet heat can be used for sterilization of paper points without
significantly affecting their absorption capacity.
Hand piece
According to most of the studies, moist heat and ethylene oxide gas have
shown the best results. This can be attributed to their excellent penetration
capacity into the intricate parts of the dental hand piece. However, ethylene
oxide gas is preferred over moist heat as it does not cause corrosion.
Hand hygiene
Before patient examination
Before dental procedures
If gloves are torn or compromised during the procedure
After removing gloves
After touching the patient
After touching surroundings or equipment that are not disinfected
Dental professionals should avoid touching their own eyes, mouth, and nose.
Use of personal protective equipment
The use of PPE, including protective eyewear, masks, gloves, caps, face
shields, and protective outerwear, is strongly recommended for all
health-care providers in the clinic/hospital settings during the COVID-
19 pandemic.
Environmental disinfection of dental clinic
1. Avoid air conditioning without high-efficiency
particulate air filters
2. Use natural ventilation when available
3. Introduce additional positive air flow (e.g. pedestal or
tabletop fans) from less contaminated to more contaminated zone
4. Place exhaust fans to evacuate the contaminated air to
the external environment.