IADR Abstract Archives

Decontamination of Endodontic Hand Files

Objectives: Objectives: The risk of cross-contamination validates the need to assess the cleanliness of dental instruments. The amount of residual debris contamination of endodontic hand files, following reprocessing procedures in South Africa, is unknown. This study aimed to determine the amount of visible debris left on endodontic hand files collected from dental practices in Pretoria, South Africa, after undergoing routine reprocessing procedures. The methods used for file reprocessing were also recorded.
Methods: Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Twenty-seven dental practices voluntarily submitted 15 previously used and reprocessed endodontic hand files for analysis. The cleaning methods used by each practice were recorded. The collected files were examined for the presence or absence of remnant debris using a stereomicroscope. The files were scored using a novel scoring system. Statistical evaluation of the data estimated the frequency and proportions of debris in each scoring position. Cohen’s Kappa statistic was used to assess intra-examiner agreement.
Results: Results: In total 401 endodontic hand files, divided into groups (n=27), were examined. Debris was found on 94% of all samples studied. Intra-examiner agreement was fair to moderate over the entire dataset. One group demonstrated statistically less debris contamination than the other sample groups. Several decontamination methods, either alone or in combination, were reported by participants to reprocess these instruments.
Conclusions: Conclusion: Routine decontamination methods do not effectively remove debris from endodontic hand files. Great variation existed in the methods used to reprocess endodontic hand files. If reprocessing endodontic hand files does not remove debris effectively, single-use of these instruments may be advisable.
South African Division Meeting
2018 South African Division Meeting (Gauteng Province, South Africa)
Gauteng Province, South Africa
2018

  • Buchanan, Glynn  ( University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa )
  • NONE
    Poster Session
    Abstracts Presented