Sanitization and sterilization have always been a concern at healthcare facilities. With the elephant in the room, the novel coronavirus, dentists are more careful with the dental instruments, disinfection, and sterilization. In the past, single-use instruments were not unheard of, but now they are in more demand than over to eliminate even the slightest chance of cross-infection.
Single-use or reusable, both types of dental instruments are used in many healthcare facilities worldwide for various dental procedures. Albeit their identified uses, many deciding factors will determine what type of dental instruments should be used in the dental office. For example, previously, patients used to get anxious or fear only the dental treatments. However, now there is a lingering danger of the corona virus in their minds that already makes them skeptical about their visit to the dental office. Hence, the heath care facilities may feel a need to adapt more to single-use instruments.
However, it is not always possible. Disposable and reusable instruments can have the same purpose, but not always.
Single-use or disposable instruments- The pros and cons
Decide what is best for you and your patients!
- Single-use instruments: Given the already deteriorating environmental conditions, the single-use may appear as an ecological hazard and spark a debate. However, you can never use the same dental tool for two patients. The disposable or single-use instruments eliminate the worries of cross-contamination and save you from the hassle of sterilization. Even the CDC guidelines encourage their use to avoid the risk of infection transmission.
Single-use instruments are discarded after using them on a single patient.
Here are some of the single-use dental instruments and accessories that can entail a safer work environment at the dental office:
- Single-use masks
- Single-use PPE gowns
- Gloves
- Dental carpules/cartridges
- Sterilization pouches
- Prophylaxis cups and brushes
Pros:
- Reduces the risk of cross-contamination
- Eliminates the need for sterilization
- Less expensive
Cons:
- Not environmental friendly
- If not properly disposed of, it can become a carrier to infections
- Reusable dental instruments: Dentistry is expensive because dental appliances are not cheap. Reusable dental instruments are widely used for dental treatments, and can the same tool can be used on several patients, but only after proper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization. If the safety measures are not practiced, reusable instruments can put the patients and the dental office at a higher risk of infection. Moreover, during the chaotic times of the Covid-19 pandemic, this can be disastrous.
All the families of dental instruments are reusable, such as:
- Examination instruments
- Hand cutting instruments
- Restorative instruments
- Dental instruments accessories (except syringes and needles)
Pros:
- They can be used on several patients
- Available at hands-on all times
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Can harbour infections if not properly sterilized
- Additional work and cost of sterilization
- Can become worn out over time
In a Nutshell
During the pandemic, the patient might feel more comfortable with the disposable or single-use instruments; however, it is not always applicable as the dental treatments are complex procedures with reusable dental tools designed explicitly for them. Therefore, the best way to maintain a safer and cleaner work environment, the reusable instruments should always be adequately sterilised and disposable instruments should be used whenever applicable.
Single-use or reusable, whichever you decide, you can get all the dental instruments from us. For further details contact us or visit our website.