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Hand instruments need to be handled and cleaned properly.
They should be stored in proper instrument trays, as individual
kits. This prevents chipping of delicate blades and allows them
to retain their sharp edges.
Dental instruments must be cleaned carefully to avoid chipped
or broken tips. Soaking solutions traditionally contain either glutaraldehyde
or formaldehyde (e.g. Gigasept™ and Cidex™).
Ultrasonic baths are the best method for cleaning instruments,
followed by autoclaving at 124 degrees C minimum. Ultrasonic baths
are initially expensive to buy (approx. £400), but save on
cleaning effort, provide a fast instrument turn-around, and cause
less tip damage.
Curettes, scalers, elevators, luxators and periosteal elevators
need to be sharpened daily, before autoclaving with an appropriate
stone. A sharpening kit contains the necessary Arkansas or oilstones
and oil.
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