Cross infection is a worry for many people visiting the dentist. This article explains the sterilisation steps and the signs you can check yourself.
- Instruments are washed, packed and steam sterilised after every use.
- Patients can observe sealed pouches and fresh gloves.
- Chair surfaces and lamp handles are disinfected between patients.
- Patients have the right to ask staff about sterilisation.
Dental instruments come into direct contact with saliva and sometimes blood, so sterilisation is extremely important. Patients have every right to ask questions and observe, so that they feel reassured. Below is the usual process that a dental clinic follows, explained in simple language for everyday readers.
Steps for handling instruments after each use
- Soak and rinse off blood, saliva and debris from every instrument.
- Dry the instruments and seal them in special sterilisation pouches.
- Sterilise them in a steam autoclave at high temperature and pressure.
- Keep the sterilised instruments in sealed pouches until the moment of use.
Each step matters. If debris is left on an instrument, the steam cannot reach every surface, so cleaning always comes before sterilising. Single use items such as needles and saliva suction tips are thrown away right after the visit and are never reused for another patient.
Signs patients can observe
Instruments are normally taken out of a sealed pouch right in front of you. The dentist and assistant wear gloves and masks, and they change gloves for every patient. The cloth on the tray and the suction tips are replaced, and the chair surfaces and the handle of the lamp are wiped with disinfectant between patients. When you see these things, you can feel more at ease.
What you can ask
Please do not hesitate to ask the staff how instruments are sterilised, especially if you have a condition such as diabetes, hepatitis or a weakened immune system. This is an ordinary right of every patient. You should also tell the dentist if you have a blood borne infection, so that the visit can be arranged appropriately. Read more in our article on what a general dental check-up includes.
The clinic works by queue number. You can walk in during working hours or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask for more information. You may also like our article on the instruments used in tooth extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental instruments reused for other patients?
They can be reused only after washing, packing and sterilising correctly. Some items are single use and thrown away.
How can I tell instruments have been sterilised?
They are taken out of a sealed pouch in front of you. You may ask the staff if you want to confirm.
Should I tell the clinic about my medical conditions?
Yes, so that the dentist can arrange and prepare the visit appropriately.