How to Clean Teeth Instruments

Whether seeking regular cleaning maintenance or employing the services of a dental surgeon, few patients may stop to think of the cleanliness of the instruments used in their mouths. Proper cleaning of dental tools maximizes their use. To this end, dental hygienists, dentists and oral surgeons should maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Adequate cleaning is a three-step process meant to inhibit the infiltration of bacteria. It involves dissolving debris with enzymes, sterilizing dental tools and maintaining proper storage conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Ultrasonic bath
• Enzymatic cleaner
• Steam or chemical vapor sterilizer
• Rust inhibitor (optional)
• Stream of water
• Instrument wrappers

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Place dental instruments into an ultrasonic bath. Put enough enzymatic cleaner into the ultrasonic bath to completely cover the dental instruments inside. Enzymatic cleaners remove blood, tissue and other oral debris from dental tools. Clean tools exposed to blood as soon as possible to prevent drying and ensure easier debris removal.

• 2

  Ensure cleanliness and prolong the use of forceps, needle holders, scissors and other hinged dental instruments. Clean them while they are open. During cleaning, metals expand and cause stress to instruments closed during the cleaning process.

• 3

  Rinse loose dental tools for at least 30 seconds under a steady water stream. Rinse instrument cassettes for at least 60 seconds in the same fashion. Rinsing prevents spotting. Lubricate hinged tools after rinsing. Allow instruments to completely dry.

• 4

  Dip stainless steel tools in a sodium nitrate-based rust inhibiting solution before sterilization. Use steam or chemical vapor sterilizers to sterilize the rinsed dental instruments. Allow dental instruments to completely dry to prevent corrosion.

• 5

  Ensure that dental instrument wrappers are completely dry. Areas of moisture allow bacteria entry onto dental tools. Wrap dry, clean instruments for proper storage.