Correct Sterilization of Dental Equipment?

[KimInTheForest]

I recently went to my dentist's office for a cleaning, and I asked the hygienist what method was used for sterilizing her tools after each session. (I could taste blood in my mouth, and as far as I know, that is not uncommon during a cleaning. I don't want to infect anyone or become infected with a 2nd genotype, or become infected anew once I am cured.)

She said the tools are first placed in a high-pressure water bath that knocks any loose stuff off, and they are then placed in a high-heat device for some period of time.

I seem to recall some recent discussion on these forums about heat sterilization NOT being sufficient to kill HCV - that bleach or some equivalent is what is needed.

Thoughts?

[Lynn K]

Isn't that an autoclave procedure not my area but I thought autoclave is medical industry standard including surgical equipment.

Running hot water or even boiling is still lower temp than autoclave. Did you ask if they add bleach or other germicidal soap to the wash water?

I think maybe we laypeople talk about bleach because it is a good chemical we have readily   available to us

Added found an autoclave link

http://www.sterilizers.com/autoclave-time-temperature-pressure-chart.html

[KimInTheForest]

Good to know, Lynn. I'll stop worrying. I think you are right about autoclave.

thanks,
Kim

[elisagrace]

Cleaning of dental tools and there after sterilization is one of the most important things to be remember by any professional dentist. What happens that many times even after cleaning and sterilization of tools after each session doesn't bring good results.If you visit online at online-dental.net you will find much effective cleaning and sterilization products giving good results.

[Lynn K]

Hi elisagrace and welcome to the hepatitis c forums.

We don't really need to know about products available we are hep c patients and not dentists. We just hope our dentists are using the best methods for the care on us their patients.

I believe that at least in the US dental sterilization practices a controlled fairly stringently by state and federal government as far as best practices.

Do you or a loved one have hep c and have any questions about hep c we can help answer for you?

[elisagrace]

Hi Lynn K, I was replying to the query of KimInTheForest, who has talked about sterilization of dental tools after their each use. One of my close friend was suffering from hepatitis C. Co-incidentally he also suffered severe tooth ache. Dentist to whom he visited told him that root canal is required. On the very first visit he got severe infection, because his tools were not properly sterilized. One one side he is suffering from hepatitis B and on the other hand with tooth infection. Only on this issue I referred towards that subject. 

[Lynn K]

Sorry to hear of your friends issues. Did you say he has both hepatitis b and hepatitis c? I think the primary concern was getting hep c in a medical setting.

There isn't a lot we can do on the patient level as far as dental or any other medical procedure re sterilization except to trust our dentists and doctors are using best medical practices and of course try to go to providers with good reputations.

We don't really have control what goes on in the back of the facility to sterilize their equipment except when in doubt to either ask or if concerned change providers.

Good luck to your friend