General Information

Endodontic Sterilization Techniques

Our practice follows procedures recommended by several federal agencies—the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

These measures include hand-washing with disinfectant soap, safety glasses, face masks, and the use of new gloves for every patient. Also included is the single use of disposable materials and sterilization or high-level disinfection of reusable instruments and equipment.

The CDC is the nation’s leading health authority. It issued guidelines for decontamination of medical and dental instruments and equipment that our office complies with:

Most reusable instruments are sterilized by the use of an autoclave, a device which kills bacteria and viruses by heat and pressure.

Some instruments, such as certain types of delicate hand-pieces used for tooth cutting, are rendered safe by high-level disinfectants approved by the CDC and the EPA.

For items impossible to autoclave, chemicals that are sprayed or wiped on kill any and all bacteria and viruses on counter tops, light fixture handles, door knobs, and plastic instruments.

Above and beyond state regulatory requirements we at the Endodontic and Implantology Associates contract with independent OSHA dental board monitoring and training companies to ensure patient safety.