Sterilization is one of the most important processes in any dental and medical practice. Although it doesn't contribute to the improvement of the patient's condition, it prevents any foreign and harmful bacteria from entering the body through dental instruments.
For this reason, sterilization is mandatory in any healthcare field.
Nowadays, there are different sterilization methods. However, UV sterilization has become a popular and reliable alternative. This contemporary method employs light instead of heat to kill all the bacteria proliferating on the instruments' surfaces.
A UV sterilization device is a tool that emits UV-C light to kill bacteria. There are many types of devices and they can be used to sterilize instruments, liquid solutions, and the environment.
UV sterilizers come in many shapes and sizes according to the dentist's needs and the number of instruments that must be sterilized daily. This makes them an ideal option for any dental office regardless of the size of the clinic and the volume of patients that attend consultation daily.
Furthermore, these devices offer a reliable and effective sterilization method that improves the workflow and boosts the dental clinic's efficiency.
Although there are different types of equipment and models, they all function under the same principle.
These sterilizers emit a powerful UV-C light that is capable of killing any type of bacteria that comes into contact with it. This light's wavelength is usually 254 nm. However, it might be slightly higher or lower depending on the device specifications.
This wavelength is capable of interacting with bacteria's protein barrier. Upon contact with the bacteria, the UV-C light initiates a photochemical reaction on the barrier. As a result, the bacteria die and the instrument is left sterile.
Nonetheless, the light can only sterilize what is upon its reach. Therefore, if there is a portion or a side of the dental instrument that is not receiving any light, that area won't be sterilized.
For this reason, the practitioner must ensure that every side of the instrument is properly illuminated by the UV-C light to ensure that it is properly sterilized.
UV sterilizers can be used to sterilize instruments and disinfect the environment. Therefore, there are different types of sterilizers:
ang UV sterilizer cabinet is among the best tools to sterilize instruments in the dental office. They come in various sizes and models. Larger models are the perfect solution for big clinics that have a constant flow of patients. They allow the personnel at the clinic to quickly sterilize all the instruments that have been used by the dentist.
The UV sterilizer cabinet consists of a box or cabinet-like device. It possesses multiple light sources on the inside to ensure complete coverage of the instruments placed inside.
To use them, the practitioner must place all the instruments that are going to be sterilized on top of the cabinet's trays. This cabinet can also be used to sterilize liquid solutions, such as water. However, they must be placed inside a clear recipient or glass. This way, the light can reach all the liquid content without any interference. Once everything has been correctly positioned, the user can close the door and begin the sterilization process.
Some cabinets allow the user to set the activation time. This provides better control over the sterilization process.
Also, the UV sterilizer cabinet can be used to enhance the result obtained from the autoclave sterilization process. The user can place the sterile equipment inside the cabinet. Turning it on can improve the sterilization process as the light can kill any bacteria that could have survived the steam and pressure from the autoclave sterilizer.
This not only improves the results but also prolongs the time the instrument can remain sterile before being used.
However, it is vital to understand that this must be done without opening the sterilization bag. Otherwise, the instrument will contaminate once again and the benefit of this double-step sterilization process won't be achieved.
It is also essential to know that every instrument must be properly washed and disinfected before placing it inside the UV sterilizer cabinet. Moreover, the instruments must be completely dry before turning on the device.
A UV disinfection lamp is the best tool to keep the air and the environment clean. These devices are capable of killing any airborne bacteria that come across the light they emit.
One of the biggest issues with the dental office is the amount of spray being released into the air. This happens during most dental procedures that involve using the handpiece or the ultrasonic scaler. This spray is loaded with bacteria from the patient's mouth which then remain floating in the air.
ang UV distinction lamp ensures the killing of this floating bacteria as it passes through the light.
However, the dental office's personnel must have a few safety considerations. UV light in large doses is harmful to the human body. It is associated with multiple diseases and people should avoid direct contact. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to refrain from looking at the lamp directly when it is turned on. This can lead to eye damage. Also, prolonged exposure to UV light can cause skin damage.
A UV trolley sterilizer is a larger and movable version of the UV sterilizer lamp. This device can be used to disinfect large rooms in the clinic or hospital. Furthermore, since it is movable and placed on top of wheels, the user can easily transport it to the room that needs to be disinfected. Afterward, the UV trolley sterilizer can be taken to another room for disinfection or stored in a secure room.
These devices usually emit ozone to improve disinfection efficiency and guarantee a clean environment.