How to sterilize endodontic instruments

These factors mean that good disinfection procedures must be carried out. It is vital to avoid cross-infection.

Today we’d like to share with you some of the personal experience I’ve learned over the years.

General recommendation:

1. Using certified disinfectant to sterilize
2. Wear personal protective equipment during sterilization
3. The best advice is not to reuse root canal files
4. If reused, It is recommended not to use more than three to five times

• Root canal files marked “disposable” are not allowed to be reused
• Files with plastic handles and NiTi files should not be flushed with H₂O₂, otherwise it will degrade.

Sterilization step:

1.Advance sterilization:

All instruments must be immersed in sterilization immediately after use.The tray which holds sterilization must be made from high density polyethylene or stainless steel.

2. Rinse

Rinse continuously under running water. Time can be controlled to no less than a minute.

3-1. Manually clean with ultrasonic equipment

Place the instrument in supporting components, supports, or containers to avoid mutual contact between instruments. Immerse in a cleaning fluid with cleaning properties.

• Any defective (broken, bent, etc.) instrument must be discarded

3-2. Use the cleaning sterilizer for automatic cleaning

• Place the device in supporting components, supports, or containers to avoid mutual contact between instruments. Immerse in a cleaning fluid with cleaning properties.
• Put the device into the cleaning sterilizer and perform a predefined cycle

4.Rinse

• Rinse with deionized water
• If the cleaning solution previously used contains corrosion inhibitors, it is recommended that the rinse step be performed before the autoclave step

5.Keep instruments dry

• Dry with a disposable non-woven cloth
• The instrument is completely dry until no traces of moisture can be seen on it
• Special attention should be paid to whether the joints or cavities within the instrument are thoroughly dried

6. Check

Check the function of the instruments.

• Inspect instrument and eliminate defective instrument.
• Dirty instrument must be cleaned again

7. Packing

Place the device in supporting components, supports, or containers to avoid mutual contact between instruments.

8. Sterilization

The following Settings can be used:

• 132°C (269.6°F), 4 minutes;

• 134°C (273.2°F) for 3 minutes;

• 134°C (273.2°F) for 18 minutes

It is recommended to set at 134°C / 273.2°F for 18 minutes.

9. Storage

Store the instrument in sterile packaging and in a clean environment, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Store at normal ambient temperature.

ENDODONTIC MOTOR SYSTEMS:

Handpieces:

Wipe with alcohol gauze. Clean and lubricate the phone with a detergent/lubricant after each use and before autoclaving. Correct operation will ensure longer service life of your phone. Do not use detergent/lubricants after autoclaving, only before autoclaving.

Motors and Console:

The outside of the motor and console can be wiped with a soft cloth dipped in a mild detergent or disinfectant solution.