Sound dental sterilization practices in dentistry protect patients, dentists and the whole team. They prevent the growth of bacteria on instruments and surfaces throughout the dental practice. They ensure that the germs in your mouth don’t make it into anyone else’s and that no one who’s been in the chair before you has passed along anything to you.
Microorganisms in blood and saliva can carry bacteria and diseases like hepatitis, herpes, tuberculosis, staph and strep. When proper dental sterilization procedures aren’t used they can pass from one patient to another. Improper sterilization practices can make you really sick, and they can also create serious complications if you have any preexisting conditions. Good sterilization practices could actually save your life!
That’s why dentists and dental assistants use so many precautions.
Sterilization is of utmost importance in the medical field. This process ensures that medical equipment and instruments used on patients are highly cleaned and sanitized, thus, preventing the development and spread of infections. Medical equipment varies, and are generally categorized as either critical or non-critical, and may require a specific type of sterilization technique to retain their quality and functionality.
There are various sterilization processes employed in clinics, laboratories and hospitals. These include the use of high-level disinfectants, autoclave and chemiclave sterilizers. Each of this approach has its pros and cons. The key differences lie on the mechanisms involved, sterilizing procedure, drying time, and the material types that are compatible with each type.