Sterilization is one of the most essential processes in any dental practice. Bacteria can be found everywhere, and the human mouth is completely covered with them. Although most mouth bacteria are harmless and favorable for the body, some harmful bacteria can still reside inside the oral cavity.
These harmful bacteria can easily spread to a dental instrument upon contact. Furthermore, bacteria can migrate to another host if the dentist uses the same instrument without proper disinfection and sterilization.
Fortunately, ultrasonic cleaners can make the process easier and more effective.
An ultrasonic cleaner is a specialized device that the dentist or dental hygienist can use to disinfect instruments before sterilization.
The ultrasonic cleaner consists of a box-like device filled with a cleaning solution. To use it, the practitioner must place the instruments inside and completely submerge them in the disinfecting solution.
Once activated, the ultrasonic cleaner emits powerful and quick ultrasonic waves. These waves create millions of tiny bubbles around the instrument that explode upon contact.
This powerful micro explosion thoroughly cleans the instruments, removing any debris or biological residues that could be attached to them, such as blood and saliva.
The ultrasonic cleaner doesn't sterilize the instruments. It disinfects and leaves the instruments ready to be placed inside a sterilization device, such as an autoclave. Additionally, the instruments must be rinsed to remove any disinfectant left over.