It is common that a dentist-owned dental clinic is very fickle and strict with the sterilizing process above anything else. Our lives literally depend on this. One puncture through our skin is all it takes for us dentists to contract a highly infectious disease that a patient might not have disclosed. And more so, we protect each and every patient from cross contamination of any infectious disease as well. Healthy patient = Healthy dentist.
The following is the exact sterilizing process of Dr. Rafaelle Dental Clinic:
1. Placing instruments under running water for 5 minutes. This removes loose and gross debris. This is done to make the next step (ultrasonic cleaning) more efficient since it can focus on removing hard-to-reach debris instead of having to work on even the gross debris that can be removed in this step.
2. Ultrasonic cleaning for 15 minutes. This step loosens and removes even the tiniest and hard-to-remove debris that might have attached to the crevices of instruments. Ultrasonic cleaners work by constant micro-vibrations that can even remove rust. It is even more helpful with cement or other hardened materials on instruments that we used for your dental fillings, dental veneers, etc. because it will come off seamlessly without scratches or damage.
3. Chemical sterilization for 5 minutes. This step inactivates unwanted microorganisms so that it will be safe for us to manually brush and clean instruments.
4. Manual brushing with soap and water. This step will also remove the chemical solution from the previous step while keeping the instruments clean. The chemical used during the last step may be harsh on the skin or mouth.
5. Drying instruments through dry heat and UV for 30 minutes. This step is done to avoid rusting of instruments from air drying and keeping them away from microorganisms that could stick to it while it is wet. Sponge/brush also undergo this step to avoid harboring harmful microorganisms.
6. Sealing instruments inside sterilizing pouches. Instruments are grouped and organized by their use and are sealed in. Sterilizing pouches also have an indicator if it has been sterilized successfully. A certain part of the pouch turns into a different color once exposed to the ideal sterilizing heat level (121° C). It also keeps instruments sterile for up to 9 months if left unopened.
7. Autoclaving for 30 mins at 121° C. The highest form of sterilization kills even spores. All instruments and even dental bibs, cups, etc. that touch your mouth or lips undergo autoclaving.
8. Drying the autoclaved pouches for 30 minutes. This step will also avoid rusting of instruments because the autoclave usually wets both instruments and sterilizing pouch after. This will also avoid tearing of the pouch from handling while wet which may cause contamination inside.
9. Storage. Sterilized instruments are kept in airtight cabinets to preserve their sterility until we are ready to use them.
This blog is intended to make patients appreciate the delicate steps and effort it takes for even a simple dental mirror to touch your mouth.
I try to make the explanation as simple as I could for the general public to appreciate and understand. If there are certain areas that still confuse you or you want a deeper understanding, you may email me at dr.rafaelle@gmail.com. If you have questions regarding your personal case, I am more than happy to give you a consultation. Just book an appointment with us via email, SMS/WhatsApp/Viber (+639778130101), or through this link: Book an Appointment.
Stay safe, everyone!
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