The process of sterilization is the total elimination of all microorganisms. Two types of sterilization are practiced in endodontics: chemical autoclave sterilization and dry heat sterilization.
Chemical Autoclave Sterilization
As is said in the AAE Glossary of Endodontic Terms, chemical autoclave sterilization is a “method of sterilization using the action of a vapor consisting of formaldehyde, alcohols, ketones and water heated to 126°C (260°F) at 20–25 pounds pressure for 20 minutes.”
Dry Heat Sterilization
As is said in the AAE Glossary of Endodontic Terms, dry heat sterilization is a “method of sterilization using the action of air heated to 170°C (340°F) in an oven for sixty minutes after instruments reach temperature.”
Ongoing Sterilization to Insure Your Safety
Gulf Coast Endodontics adheres to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection for every Houston root canal we treat as well as all of our other procedures.
Each instrument used for treatment in our office is sterilized. Every item has been carefully pre-cleaned, dried, packaged and treated in an autoclave at 265 degrees with 25 PSI for 15 minutes or more. Hand pieces are sprayed with disinfectant and are sterilized in a cassette autoclave.
To ensure proper operation, our autoclave sterilizers are monitored weekly by the company Sterilizer Monitoring System, Madison Heights, Michigan.