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sterilizing of dental tools

  • 23-09-2013 7:07pm
    #1
    aa0020
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭


    Folks. Can someone please offer me some words of reassurance because an entire new phobia is rapidly being born here. Been to the dentist for 2 of a set of 3 appointments. Patients are on a conveyor belt system as they always are but here's the question. When do the dental staff have a chance to clean the prongs, tongs, tweezers, drill bits and other instruments of torture?? I only see one tray of tools, no nurse going in and out, no second exit the dirty used tray could have left from??? I DONT WANT TO HAVE THESE THOUGHTS. (I saw the chap who left 30 seconds before me.) I have a whole hour with the dentist next week (and he's great dentist!!! My concerns relate to all dentists). I certainly dont want to ask him as he dulls the point of the anaesthetic needle, and changes the lidocaine to water just to get back at me for asking an insulting question.


Comments

  • #2
    helimachoptor
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 21,693 Mod ✭✭✭✭helimachoptor


    Each patient gets a new "pack" of instruments i think


  • #3
    Mingetoad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 120 ✭✭Mingetoad


    Most practices would have plenty of instruments and may only need to sterilize a few times a day. That means when a patient is finished the instruments get put into a cold sterilising/disinfectant bath. Then when the instruments are ready to be vacuum sterilised they are put into the autoclave together.
    I'd say 99.9% of dentists are vigilant about their protocols so unless you see something untoward, I'd rest easy.
    On another note, I had a patient who once asked me if my instruments were clean as the tray was on the cart when he walked in. I assured him they were and reassured him that such a question certainly wasn't insulting as every patient has the right to ask these things.


  • #4
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,535 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    The dentist will have a great number of kits that are presterilised. In between patients the nurse takes the old kit away and wipes down the surgery with a strong clinical surface disinfectants doubts out a new kit. The kits are washed and sterilised during the day, it takes several hours per kit.

    I am sure your dentist would be happy to talk to you about it.


  • #5
    aa0020
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭aa0020


    Thanks for the reassurance folks. Do you think that would include the drill bits? Apologies but the phobia is starting to settle........


  • #6
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,535 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    Everything that goes in our mouth will be sterilised, drill bits included


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